Nominations are now open for the Presidential Distinguished Service Award 2024, which recognizes Irish citizens living abroad. 

The nomination process for the 2024 awards will remain open until May 10, with individuals eligible to be nominated in eight separate categories. 

Nominations are open to any Irish citizens living abroad who have provided distinguished service to the nation in: 

  1. Arts, Culture, and Sport
  2. Business and Economic Development
  3. Charitable Works and Advocacy
  4. Climate Action and Food Security 
  5. Education, Science, and Innovation
  6. Inclusion and Equality 
  7. Irish Community Support
  8. Peace, Reconciliation, and Development 

First established by the Irish Government in 2012, the Presidential Distinguished Service Award aims to recognize exemplary Irish citizens living abroad. 

In order to be eligible for the award, nominees must be habitually resident outside the island of Ireland and must meet at least one of the following requirements. 

  1. have rendered distinguished service to the nation and/or its reputation abroad;
  2. have actively and demonstrably contributed to Ireland and/or its international reputation and/or Irish communities abroad in at least one of the categories listed above;
  3. have a track record of sustained support and engagement with Ireland and/or its international reputation and/or Irish communities abroad over a period of not less than 5 years
  4. or have made a sustained and distinguished service on a global or international issue of importance.

Nominations can be made by any member of the public but must be submitted through the Embassy of Ireland in the nominee's country of residence. 

A total of 133 individuals have received the Presidential Distinguished Service Award since it was launched in 2012. 

Last year, Magdalene Laundry baby Maria Doyle-Cuche, who lives in France, was among 13 recipients of the award. 

Click here to find out more about the 2024 nomination process.