2016 Gold Medal Dinner Honoring President Mary McAleese
6:00 PM
Omni Parker House, Boston
The Éire Society of Boston held its 79th Gold Medal Dinner at the Omni Parker House in Boston. The Gold Medal Honoree was President of Ireland, Mary P. McAleese.
Mary P. McAleese served as the eighth President of Ireland from 1997 to 2011. She was the second female president and the first from Northern Ireland. She earned a Law degree from Queen's University Belfast in 1973 and remains a member of the Irish Bar. McAleese described her presidency as "building bridges," regularly visiting Northern Ireland during her two terms.
Each year, a person or persons who exemplifies the best in Irish culture and ideals is honored with a Gold Medal Citation, written by a prominent local writer and beautifully crafted in Irish calligraphy by a professional artist.
The awards ceremony featured Boston Globe columnist Kevin Cullen as master of ceremonies, with an invocation by Monsignor Liam Bergin, a benediction by Reverend Brian Dixon and presentation of the national anthems by singer Maureen Keady.