Taoiseach Micheál Martin awards Research Ireland St. Patrick’s  Day Medal to Leading Experts in Philosophy and Healthcare

Taoiseach Micheál Martin trip to Washington, D.C., included his much publicized visit to the Oval Office to meet with President Trump, but he also made time to give out some very important awards to leading experts in the philosophy and healthcare field.

In a ceremony that took place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel on March 13, Prof. Richard Kearney, Charles B Seelig Professor in Philosophy at Boston College, and Michael Dowling, President and CEO of Northwell Health were presented with the prestigious Research Ireland St. Patrick’s Day Medal.

The Medal recognizes the contribution of academic and industry leaders in the U.S. across all disciplines, from science and engineering to the arts, humanities and social sciences. These experts contribute to the research ecosystem in Ireland and to collaboration between research in Ireland and the United States.

“I am delighted to present the Research Ireland St. Patrick’s Day Medal to Prof Richard Kearney and Mr Michael Dowling,” the Taoiseach said in congratulating the recipients. “Their significant achievements in the fields of philosophy and healthcare respectively illustrate the exceptional work being carried out by the Irish research diaspora across the United States.” He went on to say that the work of the medal recipients had been impactful across diverse areas, “from aiding peace agreements to improving healthcare access. The Government of Ireland and Research Ireland are delighted to support transformative research such as this, which has wide-reaching benefits across Ireland and the U.S.” 

Michael Dowling is one of the healthcare industry’s most highly respected voices.  As President and CEO of Northwell Health, he oversees the largest healthcare provider in New York State, caring for over two million people annually through a network of 21 hospitals and over 900 outpatient facilities. He has invested heavily in Northwell’s research arm, the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, transforming the treatment of conditions like lupus, arthritis, sepsis, cancer, psychiatric illness and Alzheimer’s disease.

On accepting the medal, Dowling commented on the importance of keeping an open mind. “In our work, it is vital to remain open to new knowledge. Partnerships with Irish companies continue to provide new perspectives that help to improve patient care in the U.S., Ireland and beyond. Maintaining close ties with Ireland continues to be of deep importance to my career,” he said.

Prof. Richard Kearney, the author of over 30 books on European philosophy and literature, including The Irish Mind, Navigations: Selected Irish Essays and most recently Hosting Earth: facing the Climate Crisis (2025), was involved in drafting proposals for the Northern Irish peace agreement. He said on receiving the award: “Bringing people together to share stories and perspectives is key to addressing our era’s greatest challenges. Collaborations and exchanges can help to transcend divides and build peace and reconciliation. I look forward to continuing my work with colleagues in both the U.S. and Ireland to strengthen empathy and understanding.” 

Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO at Research Ireland, said: “Research Ireland is delighted to see the valuable work of Prof. Richard Kearney and Michael Dowling being recognized through the presentation of the prestigious St. Patrick’s Day medal. Their continued contributions to research in Ireland over many years have enriched our RD&I landscape across all disciplines, from the arts, humanities and social sciences, to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Our strong collaborative links with the research community in the U.S. mutually benefit both countries and we look forward to continuing to build on this into the future.” 

Philadelphia’s Irish Business Chamber Kicks of St. Patrick’s Day Early

Philadelphia’s Irish American Business Chamber & Network (IABCN.org) started St. Patrick’s Day celebrations a few weeks ahead of the parade with their annual Ambassador Awards Luncheon. Commercial real estate giants and brothers Kevin and Michael Maloney were honored, along with leading pharmaceutical manufacturer West Pharmaceutical Services and PR maven Kate Shields, were recognized for their contributions to the business and Irish community in Philadelphia. The luncheon, on February 28, at the Union League of Philadelphia, provided an opportunity for networking and recognition among key business, political, and civic leaders.

Three prestigious awards were presented to honorees: 

The Ambassador Award is presented annually to a company that has helped strengthen business and educational ties between Philadelphia and Ireland. The 2025 Ambassador Award was presented to West Pharmaceutical Services. The Taoiseach Award is presented annually to an individual for their exceptional leadership in business and her ongoing support of the Irish American community.  The 2025 Taoiseach Award was presented to Kate Shields, CEO, Vault Communications.  Kate, a member of the Irish America Business 100 list  gave a fantastic speech in accepting the award.

The Uachtarán Award is given to individuals or organizations demonstrating exceptional compassion and leadership through philanthropy. The 2025 Uachtarán Award was presented jointly to Kevin Maloney, Managing Director, JLL and Michael Maloney, Senior Vice President, CBRE. This award underscores the cultural and charitable spirit of the Irish presidency. Past honorees include Philadelphia GAA, Joseph & Kathleen Heenan, The Society of The Friendly Sons & Daughters of St. Patrick; CBS 3 & The CW Philly 57; and Sister Marguerite O’Beirne, OSF, Neumann University. 

Ms. Helena Nolan, Consul General of Ireland, New York joined the luncheon as a special guest and speaker to present the honorees with their awards.

Sean Lane Chairman, NUYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade opened the annual St. Patrick’s Day Foundation Gala dinner honoring 2025 Grand Marshal Michael Benn with the news that the organization will have a stage in Times Square the morning of the parade. The stage will be in front of the statue of legendary 69th Regiment Chaplain Fr. Duffy in the area of Duffy Square and will feature Irish music and dancing to be shown on NBC parade broadcast for the first time ever.

Lane announced that theme of this year’s parade is The Irish language, and some of the proceeds from the gala would go to the Irish Arts Center to support its Irish language classes.

The Grand Marshal Michael ‘Mike’ Benn, originally from Limerick City, has for 27 years been Chairman of the Queens County St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Mike retired from the construction industry after spending time in two strong unions, Local 30 International Union of Operating Engineers and Local 608 Carpenters Union, and many representatives of those unions were present on the evening. Benn of spoke of being proud of the life he has built with his wife Christina, also from Limerick, and their family in Rockaway Beach, NY and their six children and 11 grandchildren, all of whom he named.

Chairman Lane, and Hilary Beirne, the founder of the St. Patrick’s Foundation, ably-assisted by chief gala organizer and board member Eileen Flannelly Mackell, moved the program along nicely at the dinner gala held at the Marriot Marquis in midtown on March 12. Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan Archbishop of New York kept his remarks brief. He congratulated the Grand Marshal, the Parade Committee and the Aides to the Grand Marshal and said: “This annual celebration gives us the opportunity to give thanks to the Irish for their deep and abiding faith, for their love friends and family, for their ward sense of humor, and their selfless generosity.”

Mayor Adams, who also kept his remarks brief, congratulated the Parade Committee and was happy to take credit for helping to arrange the stage in Times Square. He along with New York Governor Kathy Hochul and many other dignitaries are expected to march.

The performance of the Irish band Seo Linn added to the celebratory atmosphere and had the crowd singing along to some Irish favorites including “Oró ‘Sé Do Bheatha Abhaile.”