A Fermanagh priest has been recognised for his work around Peace, Reconciliation and Development in Kenya in this year’s Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad.
Fr. Gabriel Dolan, originally from Cashel, but who has been a missionary in the African country for more than four decades, was one of 12 people announced by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, last month.
The awards will be presented by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin in the coming months.
Commenting on the award, Fr. Dolan said: “I am both humbled and honoured to receive the Presidential Distinguished Service Award.
“Among this year’s group, I am the only person serving in Africa and the only priest or religious person.
‘A tribute’
“It is a tribute also to the great colleagues and human rights defenders I have had the privilege of working alongside for the past four decades.
“I dedicate the award to those heroes, and to the suffering people of Palestine.”
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said: “This award recognises the exceptional achievements, contributions, and service of members of our diaspora in all its forms.
“Each of the 13 awardees has made an outstanding mark in their field of endeavour – across the arts, culture, charitable works, business, education, science, Irish community support, peace and reconciliation, and inclusion and equality.
“I look forward to meeting them in Ireland when the President presents the awards.”
Sean Fleming, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, added: “Ireland’s global family is distinguished by the calibre of its vision, effort, and engagement.
“This year has seen awards conferred on people across the continents for an impressive range and depth of endeavour and achievements.
“Awardees will travel to Dublin to receive the awards, and I will be delighted to meet them to hear more about their work.”
The Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad was established in 2012.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here