Malin's Lisa McLaughlin, founder of the LA Irish Film Festival.
ON FRIDAY evening Donegal native Lisa McLaughlin was Irish Woman Of The Year 2012 as part of the 137th annual City Of Los Angeles Irish Day Civic Ceremonies at Los Angeles City Hall, Downtown LA.
The Malin native was honoured alongside Irishman Of The Year, Scott Walton, who is a member of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Emerald Bagpipe Band.
Previous recipients of this prestigious honour include former Miss Ireland, actress Olivia Tracey, legendary crooner Bing Crosby and American TV host Merv Griffin.
Lisa is the founder of the Los Angeles Irish Film Festival which celebrates its fifth anniversary in September and there are already a lot of special plans in place for this milestone.
“I couldn’t believe it when the foundation contacted me to tell me I had been selected. It’s such a huge honour and will help promote our festival as we reach our fifth year. The fact that it’s the Irish community that vote for the recipients is the biggest honour,” she said.
In the video below we can see the large crowd that was in attendance as Lisa leaves City Hall after received her award and proudly waved into the camera cheering ‘Up Donegal’.
Congratulations from everyone in Donegal Lisa!