One of the most recognisable voices in the world of GAA has been awarded a famous bible award for 2016.
Retired RTÉ commentator, Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh (86), is to be
awarded the 2016 Fitzgerald Bible Bruff Award in County Limerick in
recognition of his longstanding contribution as a broadcaster along with
his work for various charities throughout the country.
The award, which is organised by Bruff Heritage Group, will be
presented on 22 November in the Thomas Fitzgerald Centre in the town of
Bruff, following the anniversary mass for President John Fitzgerald
Kennedy in SS Peter and Paul’s Church, Bruff.
The Fitzgerald Family Bible Bruff Award is given to a person who
makes a significant contribution to the country of Ireland through a
particular act or particular service.
The award was established in 2015
and promotes the link between Bruff and the Fitzgerald family bible.
When Thomas Fitzgerald, who was the grandfather of former US
President, John F Kennedy, left the East Limerick town in 1852, the only
item he took with him was the family bible. Through generations, the
bible was used by the family to record deaths, marriages and births.
It played an important role in the Fitzgerald family. When John F
Kennedy was being sworn in as the 35th president of the United States of
America, he insisted on using the Fitzgerald Family Bible to swear the
oath of office. The bible is now on exhibition in the John Fitzgerald
Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston.
The first recipient of the award was Philomena Lee. She received the
award in 2015 for her work through the Philomena Lee Foundation.
The Thomas Fitzgerald Centre was formerly the courthouse in Bruff.
Following the amalgamation of Bruff District Court with Kilmallock, the
building became vacant.
Bruff Heritage Group took over the building and
set about renovating it.
In 2013 Caroline Kennedy officially renamed the
building the Thomas Fitzgerald Centre.
Today the centre displays the ancestral links between the town of
Bruff and the Fitzgerald Kennedy family. The centre is also used as a
venue for adult learning and a number of community events.
The presentation of the award will be held in conjunction with the
2016 John Fitzgerald Kennedy Address, which is held every year on the
anniversary of his death.
The address will be delivered by the grandson
of Seán Lemass, Seán Haughey TD.