Offaly man to receive sixth Oireachtas Human Dignity Award
Clara native Ronan Scully will receive the sixth Oireachtas Human Dignity Award at a ceremony in Leinster House this Thursday.
This award is presented by the Oireachtas Human Dignity Group to a person or group whose commitment to the promotion of human dignity is exemplary. Ronan is being honoured for his many years of service to others, both as a volunteer and professionally, in some of the world’s poorest countries, as well as his commitment to youth education and development.
Since 2010, Ronan has worked with Self Help Africa, an international charity which promotes and implements long-term rural development projects in Africa. Prior to that he spent 18 years as a volunteer and employee with GOAL. Over his career, he has raised millions of euro for various charities committed to human development and famine relief in Africa and Asia. He works regularly with projects in Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi and India.
Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD who will present the award at the request of the Oireachtas Life and Dignity Group said: “In honouring Ronan Scully, we are honouring a great tradition of Irish people working to alleviate human suffering across the planet.”
Independent Senator Rónán Mullen, who proposed Mr Scully for the Award, described him as “a person of energy, enthusiasm, faith and hope, dedicated to improving people’s lives in the toughest parts of the world.”
“Ronan Scully is also known for his sporting and cultural contribution. He has been Offaly Sportsperson of the Year, was a leader on RTÉ’s Operation Transformation, has authored two books and writes a weekly column for three regional newspapers. In all he does he motivates and helps others to improve their situation by pointing to what is important in life and helping them to reach for that, as he does himself. In that sense Ronan is a ‘renaissance man’,” Senator Mullen added.
The award is due to be presented to Roan by An Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD at a ceremony tomorrow in Leinster House, to to be attended by members of Ronan's family, representatives of Self Help Africa, members of the Government, Dáil and Seanad.
Previous recipients of the Human Dignity Award were Sr Consilio Fitzgerald of Cuan Mhuire, Barney Curley, founder of Direct Aid For Africa, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow founder of Mary’s Meals, Gina Heraty of Our Little Brothers and Sisters Orphanage in Haiti, and Br Kevin Crowley of the Capuchin Day Centre.