Priest at heart of peace process honoured

A Belfast-based priest who witnessed the IRA decommissioning will be presented with the Tipperary Person of the Year Award today.

Fr Alec Reid will be presented with a unique bronze sculpture by Tipperary-born artist Jarlath Daly showing ascending doves to mark the award in a reception at Dublin’s Red Cow Hotel.

Fr Reid had been at the heart of talks during the IRA’s ceasefire that led to the Good Friday Agreement.

Conor Lenihan, the Minister of State at the Foreign Affairs Department, will read the citation for Fr Reid as the presentation is made.

The former SDLP leader, John Hume, who worked with Fr Reid in securing the 1993 Downing Street Declaration and the Good Friday Agreement, will be present, as will a senior representative of Sinn Féin.

The Hall of Fame Award is also due to be given out to Seamus O’Riain, a former president of the GAA.

Mr O’Riain will be presented with a unique bronze sculpture by Mr Daly depicting hurling and football over a contour map of Tipperary.