Image: Don MacMonagle
THE search is on for a hero who has made a difference to the world through their humanitarian work at a national or international level.
Nominations are currently being sought for the 2015 Hugh O’Flaherty International Humanitarian Award to honour the memory of the Killarney-reared cleric who saved the lives of an estimated 6,500 Jews and prisoners of war in Rome during World War II.
As part of the eighth annual Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Weekend, which will commence in Killarney on October 30, the organisers are inviting the public, NGOs/voluntary bodies and organisations to nominate the person or organisation they feel is deserving of the accolade.
Last year’s recipient was UK surgeon Dr John Beavis who devoted his life to providing humanitarian medical aid in parts of the world afflicted by disaster. Previous award recipients included Darfur based aid workers Sharon Commins and Hilda Kawuki, Columban Missionary Fr Michael Synott, Trócaire’s regional director for Latin America, Sally O’Neill, Sr Agnes Hunt of the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas and the inspirational young Kerryman Donal Walsh.
An independent panel will fully consider the nominations received and the award recipient will be announced in August.
Nominations, in no more than 500 words, should be submitted in writing to the awards committee by e-mail to hofmemorialsociety@gmail.com before Friday, June 26. Nominations can be posted to Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, Beech Road, Killarney.
