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The Tip O Neill Irish Diaspora awards will return to the Inishowen, in September 2023 to recognise individuals who have embodied the very best of Irish throughout the world.

It is with great pride that Donegal County Council announces Buncrana’s own Caroline McLaughlin as one of this year’s distinguished recipients.

Caroline’s community-building talents and long-term dedication to giving back to the community have been widely recognised as well as being a leading member of the Irish Diaspora Community in the UK.

Having received numerous awards for her contributions to British – Irish relations and described by her colleagues as “the most talented networker I have ever witnessed”, Caroline has been steadfast in her dedication to building community relationships and supporting programmes for the benefit of fellow diaspora and disadvantaged communities throughout her career.

Although Caroline has spent years living around the globe, in the United States, Australia and currently in the United Kingdom, she is immensely proud of her roots and has never forgotten where ‘Home’ is.

Throughout this time, Caroline has been striving to improve the lives and experiences of the most disadvantaged groups and has been instrumental in leading networks and supporting programmes for the betterment of fellow emigrants.

For example, at her financial services employer where she’s been for almost 18 years Caroline chairs Net-Éire, an employee network, a forum that offers recognition, community support and opportunities to fellow Irish staff but has evolved over the years to one of the firms’ diversity networks.

Caroline has leverages her platform and has also been active in working with various local and international organisations to forge greater cooperation across global communities. This includes working closely with the peace-building charity Cooperation Ireland, supporting an annual student diversity programme, the US-Ireland Alliance, the London Irish Centre and numerous other non-profit organisations in the UK.

The 2023 Tip O’Neil Irish Diaspora Awards ceremony will take place at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel in Buncrana on Saturday ,16^th of September.