Dan Rooney, the U.S. ambassador to Ireland has been named one of the recipients of the 2010 Irish Diaspora Awards.

Each year the Co. Mayo Emigrant Liaison Committee honor the contribution made by the Irish Diaspora throughout the world.

An awards ceremony will take place in Castlebar, Co. Mayo on September 17.

Rooney, whose wife's family hails from Cloontia, Co. Mayo, has visited the West of Ireland on several occasions since his appointment last year.

Rooney, chairman of the Pittsburgh Steelers and co-founder of Ireland Funds, ...

A Canadian historian, who will be awarded posthumously, is also among the honorees.

Marianna O'Gallagher, who died this year at the age of 81, is a former nun who spent much of her life preserving the story of the quarantine island of Grosse Ile (Canada's Ellis Island).

O'Gallagher's nephew will collect her award on behalf of the family.

Other Irish, many from Ireland, are also recipients.

Lord Mayor of Leeds, England, Jim McKenna will be among the honorees.

It is expected that Rooney will attend the event with his wife.