Tip O’Neill Irish
Diaspora Awards
29.07.25
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Cathaoirleach of Donegal
County Council Cllr. Paul Canning has this week
announced the recipients of the 2025 Tip O’Neill Irish
Diaspora Awards, which will be presented on Friday, 17th
October at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana. These
prestigious awards recognise members of the global Irish
diaspora who have demonstrated exceptional service and
achievement while maintaining strong ties to their Irish
roots. |
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This year’s awardees,
pictured above left to right, are Vincent Keaveny, Danny
Hutton, Seán Donaghey and Eileen Mulligan.
Vincent Keaveny is originally from Dublin with deep
Donegal connections. Alderman Vincent Keaveny made
history as the first Irish-born Lord Mayor of the City
of London in 2021/22. A distinguished lawyer and civic
leader, he has been a powerful advocate for inclusion,
sustainable finance, and the Irish Diaspora. In 2023 he
was awarded a CBE for his services to socio-economic
diversity and the City of London.
Danny Hutton was born in Buncrana and is best known as a
founding member and lead vocalist of the American rock
band Three Dog Night. The band achieved significant
success in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with hits
like “Joy to the World” and “Mama Told Me (Not to
Come)”. Hutton's musical career has been a testament to
his Irish heritage, and he continues to perform with the
band, bringing joy to audiences worldwide.
Danny Hutton was both thrilled and surprised at being
chosen as a recipient of the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora
Award saying “Having been born in County Donegal I have
always cherished my Irish heritage and believe that the
inherent Irish traits of resilience, story-telling and
creativity have in part driven my success as a musician,
performer and record producer. It is particularly
thrilling to be the first music artist to be included
among the many Irish business, political and sports
figures that have been honoured with the Tip O’Neill
Irish Diaspora Award. I look forward to returning to my
hometown of Buncrana in October to celebrate receiving
this very special award”.
Eileen and Seán Donaghey are originally from Rashenny,
Ballyliffin and Cockhill, Buncrana. Eileen and Seán
Donaghey have spent the past 34 years in Sydney, where
they’ve become beloved pillars of the Irish community.
Through their award-winning restaurant, Mulligans, they
offered not just food but belonging supporting
generations of emigrants, promoting Irish culture, and
raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for charitable
causes across Ireland and Australia.
Eileen and Sean said that: “We are truly honoured to be
nominated for the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award and
absolutely thrilled to be returning home to Donegal this
October. To be recognised in the place where our journey
began means more than words can say.”
The Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards commemorate the
legacy of Tip O’Neill, former Speaker of the U.S. House
of Representatives, whose maternal grandparents hailed
from Donegal. The event continues to serve as a bridge
between Ireland and its global community, reinforcing
the bonds of kinship, culture, and shared values.
Tickets for the 2025 Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards
will go on sale on Monday 28th July and are priced at
€40. |
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