A total of 23 members of the Kerry diaspora, who are to the fore in promoting their native place from a visitor and economic viewpoint, have been honoured.
As part of An Turas Mór– the Homecoming Kerry Festival they were feted in the Rose Hotel, Tralee, on Friday night for the great work they are doing in London, Manchester and Massachusetts, honoured for their work.
Six recipients who have passed away were represented by family members and friends who travelled to accept the award on their behalf. The idea to honour them arose from a meeting between Kerry County Council and the Kerry Association in London earlier this year.
Those honoured were Dan Tim O’Sullivan, Noel O’Sullivan, Brendan Riney (RIP), Patrick McGillicuddy, Christy Kissane (RIP), Denis Nolan, Liz Shanahan, Fr John Ahern, Patsy Byrne (RIP), Pat Griffin, Vincent Harty (RIP), Mary Sugrue, John Murphy (RIP), Sheilagh O’Connor, Monty Mythen, Seán Cahillane, Tom Roche, John Griffin, Sheilagh McCarthy, Anthony O’Gara, John Flavin (RIP), Gerry Rochford and Teresa McCarthy Dixon.
Major of Kerry, Cllr John Francis Flynn paid tribute to the recipients, recognising their love of the county and their desire to work on behalf of Kerry. He said plans are underway to hold a similar event in the USA next year to honour New York based members of the diaspora.
An Turas Mór – the Homecoming Kerry Festival, is part of the Global Irish Festival Series supported by Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“Your achievements in the community, cultural, business, educational and professional spheres is legendary,” Cllr Flynn said.
“Your resilience and dedication, your generosity, your roles in promoting and supporting the county of Kerry, including the GAA, the Rose of Tralee, Irish causes and charities has been amazing,” he told the recipients.
Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, said it was fantastic to see the work that the Kerry diaspora do in terms of investing in the county, and promoting Kerry as a wonderful place to live, work and visit.
“We in Kerry County Council have long recognised the importance of the Kerry Association and other diaspora groups around the globe and we will continue to work hard to maintain and promote these linkages to the benefit of Kerry,” she stated.
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