Mags GarganTwo missionaries and an Irish chaplain based in the US have been named in the Presidential Distinguished Service Awards.
The awards recognise those who have served Ireland with distinction and those who have actively contributed to Ireland in a sustained manner.
Sr Miriam Duggan of the Franciscan Sisters is being awarded for her charitable work in Africa – initially as an obstetrician and laterally in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Fr Donal Doyle SJ has lived and worked in Japan for over 50 years and is being recognised for establishing an Irish Studies Programme at the prestigious Sophia University, which encouraged students over many decades to visit Ireland.
Fr Brendan McBride, a priest of the Diocese of Raphoe, is also being awarded for Irish community support in his role as founder and head of the Irish Immigration and Pastoral Centre in San Francisco and his central role in providing support to those involved in the recent Berkeley tragedy.
Misean Cara CEO Heydi Foster welcomed the announcement of this year’s awards saying she hoped “President Higgins will continue to recognise the contribution of the many missionaries who left these shores to transform lives and communities around the world”.