Mayo Diaspora Society awards day to take place in Castlebar
Presentation lunch ceremony this Saturday, September 11 in the Ellison Hotel.
THE Mayo Diaspora Society will host the 2026 Awards at a presentation lunch in the Ellison Hotel, Castlebar, on next Saturday, September 11, at 1.30pm.
The International Award goes to Kylemore Abbey and the Benedictine Sisters for their amazing work and for fostering the legacy and beauty of the Abbey in its pristine setting in north Connemara.
The Irish American Award goes to Notre Dame College, Indiana, in memory of Fr Patrick Peyton, known to thousands as ‘The Rosary Priest’ and a native of Attymass.
The Kennedy families of Doocastle and Manchester are the recipients of the Humanitarian awards. Members of the family have been much to the fore in the commercial life of Manchester and employed and gave employment to thousands in the construction business over the years. The family pub and lounge, Kennedy’s of Doocastle, hosted many of the big names on the music scene in Ireland in former times.
The Kay Duffy Award, in memory of the legendary matron at Castlebar General Hospital, will honour the nurses and midwives of Ireland, past and present, and the award will be presented to representatives of the nursing profession.
The Posthumous Award will commemorate the work and contribution made by the late Fr Gerry French, Columban Fathers, and a native of Mossbrook, Claremorris. He served with the Irish Chaplaincy in the UK for several years and the award will be accepted by his brother, Arthur French.
Warwickshire GAA Youth Academy will be honoured with the Youth Award. An Honorary Award will be presented to the Sallouha Family, Gaza and Mayo. The Hall of Fame goes to the Irish UN Peace Keeping Troops, past and present.
Tickets for the presentation lunch are €55 and further information can be had from Kevin Bourke, chief coordinator of the awards, at 087 2439748.