Harney ‘amazed, humbled’ and honoured’ by award

TÁNAISTE and Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, became the fourth “Mary” to receive the top accolade in the Irish Tatler Women of the Year Award last night.

Ms Harney said she was “amazed, humbled and honoured” to be awarded the title in recognition of her dedication, commitment and success in politics.

She follows in the footsteps of former president Mary Robinson; President Mary McAleese and Special Olympics chief executive Mary Davis.

Ms Harney is the first woman Tánaiste in the history of the State and was co-founder of the Progressive Democrats that she now leads. “Mary’s dedication, commitment and hard work have earned her a reputation as one of Ireland’s most influential and respected national and international figures,” her citation read.

A total of 12 awards covering a wide range of categories in which Irish women have proved their abilities were presented at a gala black tie ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Dublin.

This year’s judging panel decided that they wanted to recognise the outstanding achievement of Cork-born mountaineer Clare O’Leary.

Ms O’Leary, who earlier this year became the first Irish woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, won the Special Achievement Award, sponsored by Evian.

Writer Maeve Binchy was awarded The Hall of Fame Award, sponsored by Smart Telecom, for achieving success at a time when it was not so easy to do so for women.

The Fashion Designer of the Year, sponsored by Moet & Chandon, went to Orla Kiely, while broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan was presented with the Media Award sponsored by Lancome in recognition of her outstanding broadcasting career.

Best-selling author Cathy Kelly won the Literature Award, sponsored by Nescafe Gold Blend, while singer Cara Dillon was presented with the Music Award for 2004, sponsored by O2.

The Northern Ireland Woman of the Year 2004 was presented to actress Amanda Burton, while the Special Recognition Award, sponsored by Waterford Crystal, went to Debbie Deegan, founder of To Russia with Love.

The International Woman of the Year was awarded to Mary Clancy, who has helped disadvantaged young Irish people in Britain. Annette Clarke, captain of the Galway ladies’ senior Gaelic football team, became the youngest recipient of the Irish Tatler Women of the Year Sports Award. The Drama Award went to Lynne Parker, artistic director of Rough Magic Theatre Company.