MEMBERS of the Kerry diaspora who are to the fore in promoting Kerry from a visitor and economic viewpoint, were honoured in Tralee on Friday at an event which is part of the ‘An Turas Mór– the Homecoming Kerry Festival’.
The special event, which took place in the Rose Hotel, Tralee, saw 23 members of the Kerry diaspora, based in London, Manchester and Massachusetts, honoured for their work.
Six recipients who have passed to their eternal reward, were represented by family members and friends who travelled to accept the award on their behalf.
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Those honoured on the night were Dan Tim O’Sullivan; Noel O’Sullivan; Brendan Riney RIP ; Patrick McGillicuddy; Christy Kissane RIP; Denis Nolan; Liz Shanahan; Fr. John Ahern; Patsy Byrne RIP; Pat Griffin; Vincent Harty RIP; Mary Sugrue; John Murphy RIP; Sheilagh O’Connor; Monty Mythen; Sean Cahillane; Tom Roche; John Griffin; Sheilagh McCarthy; Anthony O’Gara; John Flavin RIP; Gerry Rochford and Teresa McCarthy Dixon.
The idea to honour these recipients arose from a meeting between Kerry County Council and the Kerry Association in London earlier this year, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr John Francis Flynn paid tribute to the recipients, recognising their love of the county and their desire to work on behalf of Kerry.
He also stated that plans were underway to hold a similar event in the USA next year to honour New York based members of the diaspora.
Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell stated that it was fantastic to see the work that the Kerry diaspora do in terms of investing in the county, and promoting Kerry as a wonderful place to live, work and visit.
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The continuing work of the Kerry diaspora into the future was also recognised on Friday evening, as the Kerry Convention Bureau unveiled their Kerry Ambassador Programme.
This has been created for community and industry leaders who are interested in supporting the county by influencing and attracting business events and investment opportunities to Kerry.
A group of 37 highly regarded key influencers and decision-makers who hail from Kerry and across the globe, representing sectors such as community, enterprise, academia, business, engineering, medicine, science, technology, sport, arts and culture, and who have demonstrated their commitment and passion for their county will use their knowledge and connections to advocate for Kerry. Scroll down for photos…
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