Eames to receive peace award

Retired archbishop of Armagh Robin Eames is to be presented with the Tipperary International Peace Award next week.

Retired archbishop of Armagh Robin Eames is to be presented with the Tipperary International Peace Award next week.

The ceremony will take place in Ballykisteen, Co Tipperary, on Friday 27th.

Dr Eames, who stepped down as Church of Ireland leader on December 31st, is to lead an ecumenical service in St Mary's Church in Tipperary Town on Sunday.

He will join a list of recipients of the award that includes former US president Bill Clinton and former South African president Nelson Mandela.

READ MORE

Dr Eames (69) led the Church of Ireland through some of the worst years of the Troubles in the North and was a key player in the peace process. He also often played the role of troubleshooter in the worldwide Anglican Communion.

In a statement announcing him as recipient of the award, the Tipperary Peace Convention paid tribute to his courageous and patient work on reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

Spokesman Martin Quinn added: "He has commanded the trust and respect of very many people and has given imaginative and constructive leadership to the community in the North and throughout Ireland."

"His foresight, understanding, compassion and dignified counsel reassured many during periods of turmoil and trouble, both in Northern politics and in church affairs."