Eames to receive peace award
Retired Archbishop of Armagh Robin Eames is to be presented with the Tipperary International Peace Award next week, it was revealed today.
The ceremony will take place in Ballykisteen, Co Tipperary, on Friday.
Eames, who stepped down as Church of Ireland leader on December 31, is to lead an ecumenical service in St Mary's Church in Tipperary Town on Sunday.
He will join a list of recipients of the award which includes former US President Bill Clinton, US Senator George Mitchell, former South African President Nelson Mandela and the late Senator Gordon Wilson.
A Peace Forum in Ballykisteen on Friday will feature contributions from Senator Martin Mansergh, former MEP and Alliance leader John Cushnahan, civil rights campaigner Nell McCafferty and former SDLP MLA Sean Farren.
Eames, 69, led the Church of Ireland through some of the worst years of the Troubles in the North and was a key player in the peace process.
He also often played the role of troubleshooter in the worldwide Anglican Communion.
In a statement announcing him as recipient of the award, the Tipperary Peace Convention paid tribute to his courageous and patient work on reconciliation in the North.
Spokesman Martin Quinn added: "He has commanded the trust and respect of very many people and has given imaginative and constructive leadership to the community in the North and throughout Ireland."
"His foresight, understanding, compassion and dignified counsel reassured many during periods of turmoil and trouble, both in Northern politics and in church affairs.
"He has been a ceaseless advocate for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and his commitment to a peaceful new society where everyone is valued has been an inspiration to many."
