Tuesday, 4 August 2026
The Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Gary Doherty, is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2026 Tip O'Neill Irish Diaspora Awards, which will be presented at a gala awards ceremony on Friday, 25th September 2026 at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana.
The prestigious Tip O'Neill Irish Diaspora Awards celebrate members of the global Irish family who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields while maintaining strong connections to Ireland and promoting Irish values and heritage around the world. The awards were established in 2012 to commemorate the centenary of the birth of the late Tip O'Neill, former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, whose maternal grandparents emigrated from County Donegal.
Speaking on the announcement Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Gary Doherty said: “The Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards provide us with a valuable annual opportunity to recognise exceptional individuals whose achievements have brought distinction not only to themselves, but also to Ireland and our global diaspora. I am delighted to announce Kate Barton and Brendan ‘Tiny’ Vaughan as our Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awardees for 2026.”
Kate Barton
Kate Barton is the Global CEO of Dentons, the world’s largest global law firm, where she leads the firm’s worldwide strategy, operations and growth. Previously, she held senior leadership positions at EY, including Global Vice Chair of Tax and membership of the firm’s Global Executive Board. Recognised for her expertise in innovation, leadership and global strategy, she has guided large international organisations through significant change and expansion. Kate also serves on the board of SharkNinja and supports a number of charitable and educational organisations. She holds degrees from Boston University and Boston College Law School and has completed executive studies at Harvard and Kellogg.
“As the granddaughter of four grandparents who emigrated from Ireland to Boston, Massachusetts, I am deeply honoured to receive this year's Tip O'Neill Irish Diaspora Award. Their legacy of resilience, storytelling, and humour has shaped who I am and has guided me throughout my leadership roles in professional service as well as my philanthropic endeavours. I am grateful to carry forward the values they instilled in me and to celebrate the enduring impact of my Irish heritage.”
Brendan ‘Tiny’ Vaughan
Brendan ‘Tiny’ Vaughan, a native of Carrigart, Co. Donegal, is widely recognised for his outstanding commitment to community, charity and the Irish diaspora. Having lived and worked in London, Boston, Paris and Berlin, he has remained deeply connected to his Donegal roots and active within Irish cultural and sporting organisations. In 2011, he founded the Donegal Hospice Calendar in memory of his mother, helping raise approximately €240,000 for hospice care. Through a series of fundraising initiatives supporting flood victims, young cancer patients and emergency services, he has made a significant impact on countless lives. He also co-founded the London Irish Vintage Club, whose annual Charity Vintage Day has raised over £1 million for worthy causes across Ireland and Britain.
When asked about his nomination ‘Tiny’ said: "To receive the Tip O'Neill Irish Diaspora Award is a tremendous honour. Though I have spent many years away, Donegal has always been home in my heart. I accept this award on behalf of everyone who has worked alongside me to support worthy causes and to strengthen the bonds of our Irish community across the world."
Each year the awards are hosted by Donegal County Council and John G. McLaughlin, Chief Executive explains:
“The Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards provide an important opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable achievements and contributions of Irish people living across the world. Our diaspora continues to play a vital role in strengthening connections between Ireland and communities overseas, and this year's recipients exemplify the leadership, generosity and pride in heritage that define that relationship. We are delighted to welcome home two outstanding individuals whose accomplishments and lifelong commitment to community and culture have made a lasting impact far beyond our shores.”
Chair of the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award Committee, Nicholas Crossan, commented:
“The 2026 Awardees have each demonstrated remarkable leadership, dedication and commitment within their communities and professions, while proudly representing their Irish heritage on the international stage. The Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award Committee looks forward to welcoming them, their family and friends to Donegal this September to celebrate their extraordinary contributions.”
The 2026 Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards will be hosted at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel from 6:30pm on Friday 25th September 2026. Tickets now available HERE.
For further information or queries please contact info@donegal.ie
Tickets costing €50 available now!
