Governor Brian Scweitzer, Tip O’Neill Diaspora Award. Photo: Clive Wasson
An American Governor was awarded the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award this weekend in Buncrana.
Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana received the prestigious award for work he has done to promote the interests of Ireland on the world stage. This is the second annual presentation of the award. A week of festivities in Buncrana surrounded the event.
The family of Tip O’Neill were there on the night to present the award. They spoke fondly of Buncrana. “Coming here is like coming home,” said Tommy O’Neill.
Speeches from John Hume gave the audience a warm sense of Tip O’Neill. Words from President Michael D. Higgins were read out by Donegal County Manager Seamus Neely.
Upon receiving the award, Governor Schweitzer said, “This award means award the world to me; it is a wonderful honour to come back to Donegal and be presented with this prestigious award.”
The Tip O’Neill awards are part of the Donegal Diaspora Project that reaches out to include anyone worldwide with a connection to the county.
Nancy Scweitzer and Governor, Brian Schweitzer, Tip O’Neill Diaspora Award recipient, Photo- Clive Wasson
At the Tip O’Neill Award presentation are seated Pauline Ferry, Nancy Scweitzer, Governor Brian Schweitzer, Tip O’Neill Diaspora Award recipient, Michael Friel and Josephine Friel. Back from left are Eamon Ferry, Dana Dawson, Adrian Friel, Aidan Quinn, Niamh Friel, Alan Friel, Anne Quinn, Colm Friel and Catherine Foley. Photo Clive Wasson
Tommy O’Neill, Dinny McGinley TD is Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, Governor Brian Schweitzer, Tip O’Neill Diaspora Award recipient, Peter McLaughlin, Caitlín Uí Chochláin and Loyola Hearn, Canadian Ambassador. Back from left are Seamus Neely, John McLaughlin, Michael Grant, Leonard Roarty, Kevin Doherty, Sarah Meehan, Nicholas Crossan Michael Heaney and Seamus Canning. Photo Clive Wasson
Tommy O’Neill, John Hume, Dinny McGinley TD is Minister of State for the Gaeltacht and Governor Brian Schweitzer, Tip O’Neill Diaspora Award recipient. Photo- Clive Wasson
Governor Brian Schweitzer, Tip O’Neill Diaspora Award recipient receives the award from
Dinny McGinley TD is Minister of State for the Gaeltacht. Photo- Clive Wasson
