Derry's Roma Downey to receive major film/tv award

Roma Downey will this weekend receive the inaugural Irish Diaspora Award at the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs) in Dublin.

The Derry-born actress and producer has been recognised for her career which spans three decades, as well as her charity and humanitarian work, with the new award which honours the important role of Irish artists and business people abroad in the film and TV indistry.

Downey is known for her role as Monica in CBS's Touched By An Angel which earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Best Actress nominations as well as playing the leading role of Jackie Kennedy in the NBC mini-series A Woman Named Jackie.

As well as in front of the camera, she is also renowned for her producing skills, having worked on the epic drama series The Bible, Son of God and the soon-to-be-released historical epic Ben Hur.

Downey said of the award: "I am so grateful to IFTA and the Irish Government for honoring me with the inaugural Irish Diaspora Award.

“While I’m blessed to have had a successful career in the United States, that success has been built on all that I learned growing up in Derry: Integrity, character, tenacity, the value of working hard, daring to dream big, and of course to always have a sense of humor and not take myself too seriously!

"I just love Ireland and the Irish people and I am so thankful to come back and celebrate in Dublin, which makes it even more special and fun."

Downey will take home the gong on Saturday at the IFTA ceremony at Dublin's Mansion House.