Actor Chris O’Dowd and diplomat Peter Ryan receive Irish honors from Ireland Fund

Young leaders award Irish Spirit and Dylan Smith Community Service prizes

Ryan talked about the privilege of getting an award named after Dylan Smith.  “Oh it’s a great honor to be receiving the Dylan Smith Community Service Award , he’s sort of a hero to all of us in New York.” 

Dylan Smith saved six people from drowning in SuperStorm Sandy by towing them on his surfboard.  Tragically, he later died on vacation surfing in Puerto Rico. 

Ryan described his work as “the middle of the web for all Irish groups” allowing for a unified Irish America to more efficiently help the Superstorm victims. 

The night was a great success and Ryan described the event as  “a great opportunity for everyone to come together obviously but it's a good way to highlight the fabulous work the Ireland Fund does, raising money for worthy causes.”

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Nster.com