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Presidential Distinguished Service Award 2015

What is the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad?

This Award was established by the Government in 2012.  It provides recognition by the Irish State for persons living abroad (primarily Irish citizens, those entitled to Irish citizenship and those of Irish descent), who have given sustained and distinguished service to Ireland and/or Irish communities abroad.

Do you know someone who has given sustained and distinguished service in any of these areas?

  • Irish Community Support

  • Arts, Culture and Sport

  • Charitable Works

  • Business and Education

  • Peace, Reconcilliation and Development

They may be eligible to be nominated for the Presidential Distinguished Service Award if they meet the following criteria:

They have been habitually resident outside the island of Ireland and satisfy the following additional requirements:

  1. have rendered distinguished service to the nation and/or its reputation abroad;
  2. have actively and demonstrably contributed to Ireland and/or its international reputation and/or Irish communities abroad in at least one of the areas above;
  3. have a track record of sustained support and engagement with Ireland and/or its international reputation and/or Irish communities abroad over a period of not less than 5 years.

While the scheme is open to all persons living abroad, it is primarily aimed at Irish citizens, those entitled to Irish citizenship and persons of Irish descent, who have given sustained and distinguished service to Ireland or Irish communities abroad. 

How do I nominate someone for the Presidential Distinguished Service Award?

If you know someone who meets the criteria above please complete the process and forms found here and forward it to the Consulate General in San Francisco before 22nd April, 2015.