Therese Murray
Senator Therese Murray receiving the Tip O’ Neill Irish Diaspora Award from President Michael D. Higgins
Senator Murray carved out a very successful career in the predominantly male world of, not just American politics, but politics in general. She was a champion of welfare causes, mental health, children’s welfare and health, and the elderly. She was the driving force behind many very worthy State reforms in Massachusetts and has always maintained her close links with the country of her heritage. A champion of the people, Senator Murray was a politician with a very large heart that has remained true to the traditional Irish values that were instilled in her from both her parents. Her father’s people hail from County Cork, and her mother’s from Limerick and Dublin.
Senator Murray stated that, “Having the opportunity to further strengthen and create economic and academic links between Massachusetts and in the Northwest of Ireland not only solidifies our historic ties, but also allows us to build a new bridge of cutting edge technology and innovation. It is these new connections that will help spur discovery and development, provide inspiration and opportunity, and move Massachusetts and the Island of Ireland forward in this global economy. Where there is opportunity, there is hope and where there is hope, there is peace. Working together, we will achieve great things.”
Presenter
Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland
MC
Moya Brennan, Irish folk singer, songwriter, harpist, and philanthropist.