Paul Coggins honoured with Community Hero award at Global Irish Awards in London

Paul Coggins, who has strong connections to Donegal, was among those honoured at the Business Post Global Irish Awards on Friday night.

Former London and Tir Chonaill Gaels manager, Coggins, whose late wife Ann (née McGarvey) hailed from Ards, was presented with the Community Hero award at the Waldord Hilton Hotel.

The awards celebrate key members of the Irish diaspora community.

A native of Roscommon, Coggins managed London from 2011-2015, reaching the 2013 Connacht SFC final.

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Coggins was the manager of Tir Chonaill Gaels until he recently vacated the role.

“An award that is richly deserved for Paul’s outstanding contribution to the GAA community here in London as well as his dedication to our own club,” Tir Chonaill Gaels said.

“This award category is described as ‘a volunteer who strives to make sure there is a place in society for everyone from the Irish Diaspora and those who are devoted to supporting their community’ and this describes Paul perfectly.

“We are sincerely grateful for all the time, effort, and commitment that he has given to the club throughout the years with the support of his management team, his late wife Ann and his two boys, John Paul, and Patrick.”

Sadly, Ann passed away in November.

Friday's ceremony was opened by Seán Fleming, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for International Development and Diaspora.

Bob Geldof KBE was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award while Eddie Jordan (Personality of the Year) was among the award winners.

Other presented award recipients included: Sir Ernest Shackleton (posthumous), presented by Maritime Archaeologist Mensun Bound to Sir Ernest’s granddaughter the Hon. Alexandra Shackleton; Gerry Nagle, Chairman, Amhola for his Outstanding Contribution to Global Development; Maria Doyle Kennedy, Singer and Actor for her Outstanding Contribution to the Arts.