Thursday, October 21, 2010

Four humanitarians nominated for Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty award

Some of Ireland's leading humanitarians are in line for the third annual Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty Award, which will be announced on November 13.  

The award is dedicated to the memory of Killarney born Monsignor for his bravery during World War II when an organisation he helped set up in Rome saved the lives of some 6,500 Jews. 

Over the past four months, Irish NGO's have been invited to submit names for consideration for the award and now a shortlist of four names has been drawn up.  

Among those nominated are the Wexford born Columban priest Fr Michael Synott who was kidnapped in the Philippines last year. 

Catholic Aid agency Trócaire has nominated Sally O'Neill who has been working with the NGO for over 30 years in Central America.  

Concern has nominated Anne O'Mahoney who has been working on Concern's high profile emergencies for the past 20 years and, according to the committee, has shown extraordinary courage, commitment, judgement, leadership and strategic intelligence.  

The Niall Mellon Township Trust has nominated its Building Blitz director, Orla McLoughlin for her contribution to the poor communities in South Africa.  

A sculpture of Monsignor O'Flaherty (pictured) will also be unveiled on the weekend that runs from November 12 to 14.

SIC: CIN/IE