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Jacqueline honoured for Irish support at Áras an Uachtaráin

December 20th, 2017 7:11 AM

By Southern Star Team

Jacqueline O'Donovan with President Michael D Higgins.

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A UK businesswoman, whose parents are from Goleen, has been honoured for her services to the Irish community abroad, along with Hollywood star Liam Neeson. 

A UK BUSINESSWOMAN, whose parents are from Goleen, has been honoured for her services to the Irish community abroad, along with Hollywood star Liam Neeson. 

Jacqueline O’Donovan, daughter of Kathleen (nee Sheehan), and the late Joe O’Donovan, both emigrants from Goleen, received the Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Abroad, at a ceremony held in Áras an Uachtaráin. 

She is managing director of O’Donovan Waste Disposal, one of London’s leading independent waste management companies. 

A highly respected and successful member of the Irish business community, she is a prominent and active member of a number of Irish business networks.

The awards, established in 2011 following the Global Irish Economic Forum, recognise the contribution of members of the Irish community abroad. 

Other recipients included actor Liam Neeson, Bernard Canavan, Denis Mulcahy and Mary T Murphy.

Jacqueline said:  ‘It is an honour and a privilege to be recognised. I’m delighted to join such a prestigious group of individuals who are proud to support their fellow Irish men and women abroad.’

She is passionate about her Irish heritage, reflected in the extraordinary work she does for the Irish community in London, including her role as trustee for the Irish Youth Foundation, as well as being an executive board member of the Women’s Irish Network.  

In 2016 she was honoured with the special Outstanding Commitment to Innovation award by the British Irish Trading Alliance, recognising her outstanding leadership and dedication to mentoring.   

She is a generous supporter of the GAA in London as well as a number of Irish charities including the Brent Irish Advisory Service, London Irish Centre, Innisfree Housing Association and the Irish Cultural Centre Hammersmith.    

Jacqueline was recently named the new chairperson of the St Patrick’s Festival Ball organising committee.

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