The Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora award was first initiated in 2012 as a means of commemorating the centenary of the birth of the late Tip O’Neill who served as speaker of the US House of Representatives. His maternal grandparents were native to County Donegal. Tip’s son Tommy O’Neill, alongside his wife Shelly O’Neill, return home to Donegal each year for the awards ceremony.
The Tip O'Neill Irish Diaspora Awards 2025 will take place on Friday, 17th October, at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel in Buncrana. We will celebrate Danny Hutton, Vincent Keaveny and Eileen & Seán Donaghey for 2025.
Danny Hutton was born in Buncrana in County Donegal and is best known as a founding member and lead vocalist of the American rock band Three Dog Night. The band achieved significant success in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with hits like “Joy to the World” and “Mama Told Me (Not to Come)”. Hutton's musical career has been a testament to his Irish heritage, and he continues to perform with the band, bringing joy to audiences worldwide.
Danny Hutton was both thrilled and surprised at being chosen as a recipient of the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award saying “I am thrilled and a bit surprised to be chosen as an ambassador of the Irish Diaspora to be honoured with the Tip O’Neill award for excellence.
“Having been born in County Donegal I have always cherished my Irish heritage and believe that the inherent Irish traits of resilience, story-telling and creativity have in part driven my success as a musician, performer and record producer. It is particularly thrilling to be the first music artist to be included among the many Irish business, political and sports figures that have been honoured with the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award. I look forward to returning to my hometown of Buncrana in October to celebrate receiving this very special award”.
Vincent Keaveny is originally from Dublin with deep Donegal connections. Alderman Vincent Keaveny made history as the first Irish-born Lord Mayor of the City of London in 2021/22. A distinguished lawyer and civic leader, he has been a powerful advocate for inclusion, sustainable finance, and the Irish Diaspora. In 2023 he was awarded a CBE for his services to socio-economic diversity and the City of London.
Speaking earlier this week Vincent Keaveny said “as the son of a Donegal man, and the first Irish citizen to serve in the historic office of Lord Mayor of London, I am delighted to receive the Tip O'Neill Irish Diaspora Award this year. The Award connects a part of the world that is very important to me and my family with the work I have been doing in London in recent years as a member of the diaspora community. It is wonderful to back in Donegal to receive this special recognition”.
Eileen and Seán Donaghey are originally from Rashenny, Ballyliffin and Cockhill, Buncrana in County Donegal. Eileen and Seán Donaghey have spent the past 34 years in Sydney, where they’ve become beloved pillars of the Irish community. Through their award-winning restaurant, Mulligans, they offered not just food but belonging supporting generations of emigrants, promoting Irish culture, and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for charitable causes across Ireland and Australia.
Eileen and Sean said that “we are truly honoured to be nominated for the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award and absolutely thrilled to be returning home to Donegal this October. To be recognised in the place where our journey began means more than words can say.”
