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