Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny presented with prestigious Trinity award

Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny was presented with the inaugural Trinity European Laureate Award at Trinity College Dublin on Tuesday, November 25. 

The Islandeady native received the award in recognition of his leadership when Ireland last held the Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2013. 

In partnership with the global CEO advisory firm Teneo, the Trinity Long Room Hub’s new award acknowledges figures, both Irish and international, who have made an important contribution to European ideals.

With Ireland set to take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU in July 2026, the Trinity Long Room Hub is planning a series of events which will focus on the opportunities and challenges of the presidency, EU research, democracy, and more. 

The former Taoiseach expressed his delight at receiving the inaugural Trinity European Laureate Award.

"I am delighted and honoured to receive the inaugural Trinity European Laureate Award. This recognition honours Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union back in 2013, when Ireland was in a much different place but still able to make a vital contribution to European affairs. Our Presidency was guided by the belief that we are truly, madly, deeply European, and committed to that ideal.

The former Fine Gael politician also expressed his pride in the major advances for research funding, the multi-annual financial framework, CAP reform, as well as the Erasmus+ programme.

 “Ireland has a proud history within the European Union, and it is a community we have helped to build together.  My thanks to the Trinity Long Room Hub and Teneo for this great honour as Ireland looks to its next Presidency in July 2026." He added.

Patrick Geoghegan, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub, said,

“We are honoured to present this inaugural Trinity European Laureate Award to former Taoiseach Enda Kenny in recognition of his leadership during the last Irish presidency of the EU, when, among other achievements, great advances were made for European research, including a 70-billion euro Horizon 2020 programme and agreement on Erasmus+.”

Mick O’Keeffe, CEO of Teneo, Ireland too recognised the work of former Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

"As the leading CEO advisory firm, Teneo is proud to partner with the Trinity Long Room Hub, Ireland’s leading Arts and Humanities Research Institute, to honour remarkable individuals whose work has strengthened the European ideal.

“The inaugural Trinity European Laureate Award, presented to former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, recognises his exceptional leadership during Ireland’s 2013 Presidency of the Council of the EU and the lasting impact of that achievement.”