On Sunday 24th June, Archbishop Desmond Tutu visited Ireland to present the inaugural Archbishop Desmond Tutu Medals of Recognition 2006 to 20 volunteers in acknowledgement of their outstanding contribution to charity in Ireland and across the world.
In an event hosted by the Niall Mellon Township Trust, Archbishop Desmond Tutu presented medals in three categories to 20 Irish volunteers. The categories included the Desmond Tutu Medal of Recognition for Outstanding Care and Compassion, Desmond Tutu Humanitarian Medal and Desmond Tutu Lifetime Humanitarian Medal.
Widely recognised for his work in charity and peace keeping world wide, Archbishop Desmond Tutu visited Ireland to acknowledge the immeasurable work of the Irish volunteers both in Ireland and the developing world. The Desmond Tutu Medals of Recognition were awarded to volunteers from the private and corporate sector in recognition for their continued efforts for the charity.
Though many deserved the esteemed award, 20 were chosen for their outstanding contribution to the charity. Coming from all walks of life, the recipients varied from volunteers to developers to humanitarian fighters.
Some of the winners included Paddy Maguinness who won the Lifetime Humanitarian Medal. Further winners were Pat O’ Reilly, Sean Fitzpatrick and Gavin Bonnar.
When describing Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Niall Mellon said: "Desmond Tutu is a world statesman. His peaceful campaign played a significant part in bringing down the walls of Apartheid and his chairmanship of the Truth and Reconciliation committee in South Africa was a great example of how to handle pain of victims and help them to move on". We can all be inspired by him.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu presents Pat O'Reilly with the Medal of Recognition for Outstanding Compassion.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu presents Gavin Bonnar with the Medal of Recognition for Outstanding Compassion.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu presents Paddy Maguinness with the Lifetime Humanitarian Medal.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu presents Sean Fitzpatrick with the Humanitarian Medal.
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