It was honours on the double for Hibernians Sean Pender and Sandi Swift at the Belfast International Homecoming last night as both were presented with Belfast Ambassador Medals for their longstanding commitment to Ireland.
Pender, who leads the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Swift who is President of the 10,000-strong Ladies AOH received their accolades during a gala celebration in the Titanic Hotel which featured diaspora leaders from the U.S., Canada, and Britain.
The Belfast International Homecoming, now in its 13th year, partners Belfast with its global family to build the peace and boost prosperity.
Receiving the coveted Belfast Ambassador Medal from Michael Lagan of legendary Belfast construction firm Lagan, Pender acknowledged the influence of his Irish-born parents on his tireless advocacy for Ireland. And he also spoke of the obligation of the Irish to stand up for migrants, refugees and immigrants who find themselves repeating the journey the Irish took when they fled persecution at home and sought succour in America.
Swift was joined at the full-house event by her husband Matt Morrison, a former Irish political prisoner who left the U.S. recently when ICE altered his Visa status. The couple now live between Derry and Missouri where their children and grandchildren still reside.
Also singled out for recognition at the Homecoming was AOH veteran Ned McGinley of Wilksbury, PA who is a passionate advocate for the Project Children programme. BOSTON BEACON: Liz Breadon, President of Boston City Council, addresses the Homecoming Medal after being honored by Belfast Lord Mayor Roismáire Donnelly
In total, 24 diaspora leaders were honored with the Belfast Ambassador Medal while a special Diaspora Equality Award went to Boston City Council President (and Fermanagh native) Liz Breadon.
You can see a full list of the Belfast International Homecoming honorees online.
Other attendees at the Homecoming included State Senator Joe Cryan of New Jersey and State Senator Brian Kavanagh of New York.
