Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for Rosalind ‘Ros’ Scanlon

Rosalind Scanlon has been presented this year’s Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Abroad at a ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin by Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Michael D Higgins.

Rosalind Scanlon is a playwright, theatre director, and film producer, including producer of Irish Arts Festivals and events in the UK.

Rosalind ‘Ros’ Scanlon is the daughter of the late Eddie Scanlon from Killygordon, and mother Peggy (née McGowan) from Ballybofey.

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Notably, Rosalind is the Founding Artistic Director of the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith, London, which opened in 1995 and is acclaimed as ‘the premiere Centre for Irish arts and culture in the UK’. It is renowned for its year-round programme of Irish music, theatre, cinema, literature, lectures, talks and exhibitions, all of the highest quality. Rosalind was also a winner of The Irish Post Award 1989 and a recipient of The Freedom of the City of London 2024.

The Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Abroad recognise the service given to this country or to Irish communities abroad by those who live outside Ireland.

Republic of Ireland and Everton captain Seamus Coleman also picked up an award.

The Awards were established by the Government following the 2011 Global Irish Economic Forum as a means to recognise the contribution of members of the Irish diaspora and were first awarded in 2012. To date, 120 people have been conferred with the award.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Higgins said: “The Presidential Distinguished Service Awards enable us, as a nation, to recognise those members of our global family who have contributed, in their different ways, so significantly to Ireland’s reputation on the international stage as a country that understands the migratory experience, its challenges, responsibilities and the part that transience plays in all of our shared lives.

That spirit of generosity, and those qualities of an inward being and an inclusive outward gaze which so exemplify the best of our Irishness, have been practically and magnificently demonstrated by our honoured guests through their lives, their work, and their contribution of distinguished service to Ireland and to Irish communities abroad.

"Mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, may I thank you deeply for representing Ireland so well, and for your personal efforts, service, sacrifices, and contribution to the achievement of excellence in your various fields. Mo bhuíochas libh uilig.”