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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.

Donegal County Council is delighted to announce John T. Fries as one of this year’s esteemed recipients.

Born to Irish American parents, John's connection to Donegal runs deep, with his father hailing from the village of Kilmacreann. The Fries family continue to manage the post office in the village to this day.

John's strong connection to his Irish heritage is a source of immense pride for him. Ann Claffey Baiada, a previous recipient of the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora award and a dear friend of Johns kindly remarked “John is full of life with great Irish humour and is very proud of his Irish roots. He would do anything for anyone who needed him”.

John spent 24 years in the IT (Information Technologies) industry and his extensive and impressive career has been marked by a commitment to cutting-edge solutions working with leading hardware and software companies. John's work in this field reflects his forward-thinking approach and his ability to harness the power of technology to drive positive change.

Whilst working for a start up company, he spearheaded a project aimed at developing the communication capability through installation of micro-computers in physicians’ offices. This innovative approach eventually led to the modern concept of paperless claims transmission between doctors’ offices, HMOs and pharmaceutical research companies.

Across Donegal and Ireland, John is celebrated not only for his professional accomplishments, but also for his genuine passion for the land of his ancestors. John T. Fries is a testament to the power of heritage, dedication, and the enduring bond between two nations.

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.

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.