The 2024 Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards take place this evening at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel in Buncrana.
Presented by Donegal County Council and first initiated in 2012 as a means of commemorating the centenary of the birth of the late Tip O’Neill, the awards seek to recognise those who have excelled in their chosen field whilst honouring their contribution to Ireland and the Global Irish Community.
Tip O’Neill was a Liberal Democrat and an influential member of the US House of Representatives whose maternal grandparents were native to County Donegal.
Tip’s son Tommy O’Neill, alongside his wife Shelly O’Neill, return home to Donegal each year for the awards ceremony.
The 2024 awards see three accomplished individuals, Billy Higgins, Carolean Gallagher and David McCourt, honoured with the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award.
David McCourt
David is a founder and Chairman of Granahan McCourt Capital and the Chairman of National Broadband Ireland.
He has been one of the most prominent investors and entrepreneurs in the technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) industries for the past 30 years.
As the owner and Chairman of National Broadband Ireland, he is currently working in partnership with the Irish Government in the largest Public Private Partnership in European telecoms to deliver the country’s €5bn National Broadband Plan.
Billy Higgins
Born and raised in South Boston, Billy is a businessman and community leader who is renowned for his charitable endeavours and the founder of the Southill Children’s Fund.
He has carried out immense work in supporting the education of children with special needs both in Boston and here in Ireland.
Donating to the Patient Social Fund of the Ballaghderg Pre-School for Children with Special Needs in Letterkenny, he has continued to support the school and its work for many years.
Caroleann Gallagher
A native of Arranmore Island, Caroleann’s career in law in the United States has been primarily focused on personal injuries and those hurt by the negligence of others.
Caroleann is a very active member of many Irish American community-based organisations and programmes.
In 2023, she initiated and launched The Coogan Gallagher Scholarship, which is a yearly scholarship that is open to all Leaving Cert students of the Gairmscoil in Arranmore.
Announcing the awardees for 2024, Chairman of the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award Committee Mr Nicholas Crossan said “We in Donegal continue to see the benefits of this fantastic initiative as we continue to build and develop the strong links with our diaspora throughout the world”.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Niamh Kennedy said awards and their recipients showcase Ireland’s best.
“They continue to showcase Donegal as the very best place to live, work, invest and do business.”
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