Presidential Distinguished Service Award for Seamus Coleman at Áras an Uachtaráin

Tánaiste Simon Harris has congratulated the recipients of the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad which this year includes footballer Seamus Coleman.

The 2024 recipients were presented with their award by President Michael D Higgins at a ceremony held in Áras an Uachtaráin.

Coleman, a native of Killybegs, is the current Republic of Ireland and Everton captain, having joined the Merseyside club in 2009 from Sligo Rovers after playing previously at his hometown club St Catherine's.

The award celebrates members of the Irish diaspora and recognises the recipient’s contribution to their communities, Ireland or Ireland’s reputation in a number of fields, with Coleman's for his exploits in the UK.

"Our captain has been awarded a Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad at Áras an Uachtaráin," FAI posted.

The 10 recipients work in a variety of fields, including arts, sport, business, Irish Studies, community support, human rights advocacy, inclusion, education and charitable works.

Speaking after the ceremony, Tánaiste Simon Harris TD, said: “The Presidential Distinguished Service Awards is an important opportunity to celebrate the profound global impact of the Irish diaspora.

“The Ireland of today is modern and diverse and this diversity is reflected in our awardees tonight who are spread across four continents and work in various areas of expertise.

“Some of those that received the award tonight are Irish citizens, others can trace their Irish heritage though generations and some hold great affinity to Ireland, Irish culture and values.

“Each of them has had a profound impact on the lives of others and this is why they are deserving of our recognition tonight.”

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, said: “It was a pleasure to meet this year’s recipients of the Presidential Distinguished Service Awards. Their work is a reminder of the strength of the global Irish community.

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“Not only have each of this year’s recipients have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their respective fields, they have also showcased Irish values and culture on an international stage.”

Following the conferring ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin, Tánaiste Simon Harris hosted a dinner at Dublin Castle in honour of this year’s awardees.

Other winners are Aduke Gomez, Arts, Culture and Sport, Nigeria; Rosalind Scanlon, Arts, Culture and Sport, Britain; Prof Enrico Terrinoni; Arts, Culture and Sport, Italy; Orla Kiely, Business and Economic Development, Britain; Sr Teresa McKeon, Charitable Works and Advocacy, Sierra Leone; Mary O’Neil, Inclusion and Equality; USA, Pam O’Mahony, Irish Community Support, Australia; Patrick Leahy, Peace, Reconciliation and Development, USA; Stella O’Leary, Peace, Reconciliation and Development, USA.