McAleese's to receive Tipperary Peace award in July

The former President of Ireland Mary McAleese and her husband, Senator Martin McAleese, are to be jointly honoured as the 2011 recipients of the Tipperary International Peace Award in July for their work in promoting peace in Northern Ireland. 

They will receive the award at Ballykisteen Hotel just outside Tipperary Town on Thursday July 5.  Tipperary Town Council will also accord a civic reception to Mrs McAleese and her husband Martin on the same day.

Former President McAleese has been chosen for the award because, “along with her work for reconciliation, she also used her time in office to address issues concerning Justice, social equality, social inclusion and anti-sectarianism.”

Speaking to CiNews, Peace Convention Secretary Martin Quinn said, “Everyone has warmly welcomed the news that Professor and Senator McAleese are to receive the 2011 Peace Award and the presentation ceremony is sure to be a very special one in the history of the Tipperary Peace Award.”

“Already we have received confirmation of attendance from over 15 Ambassadors, the Attorney General, the President of the High Court, the chair of the Northern Parades Commission, the Leader of the SDLP, along with representatives of the main churches and peace based organisations North and South.”

“The attendance of so many holders of high office is a reflection of the major significance of the Tipperary Peace Award and of the esteem in which the McAleese's are held.” 

Past winners of the prestigious award include Nelson Mandela, Bob Geldof and Bill Clinton. 

Meanwhile the programme of events being organised by the Tipperary Peace convention will run from July 5 to 8, and will include guest speakers such as the former Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland Nuala O'Loan and the former Leader of the Alliance Party in Northern Ireland and speaker in Stormont Lord John Alderdice. 

by Sean Ryan