We are so excited to announce that we have been commissioned to design and produce the website and souvenir programme for secretary of state John Kerry’s International Tipperary Peace Award later this year. The Tipperary International Peace Award has been ongoing for many years and recognises the efforts of individuals who have been prolific in their peace efforts. The hashtag for the event is #givepeaceachance.
The secretary of the Tipperary Peace Convention Martin Quinn stated that Mr. Kerry was chosen for his efforts to bring an end to conflict globally. In particular they note his role in the negotiations for the surrender of Syria’s declared chemical weapons. On hearing of his award, secretary of state Kerry stated “I am truly honoured to be listed among the remarkable past recipients who have contributed so much to the cause of creating a more peaceful world.”
Secretary Kerry is in illustrious company. Previous recipients include secretary general of the United Nations Ban Ki-Moon, the former South African President Nelson Mandela, the former prime minister of Pakistan the late Beazir Bhutto, former American president Bill Clinton and Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai. Other recipients include Sir Bob Geldof the late Senator Edward Kennedy and his sister, the US ambassador to Ireland, Jean Kennedy, and former Irish president Mary McAleese.
Due to the popular first world war song “It’s a long way to Tipperary” being associated with war time, in 1983 a committee was formed with the sole aim of re-associating Tipperary with peace. This was the start of the Peace Convention. The founding members included Tim Ryan, Joe Quinn, Maureen Walsh and Noel McInerney. The original aims were to promote the concept of peace through music and discussion and to provide an Open Forum for the discussion of current peace-related issues. This involved contributions from leading spokespeople of various and diverse viewpoints. The final aim was to select and reward, annually, a person who has made a particularly noteworthy contribution to the peace-making process.
It has been confirmed that secretary Kerry will travel to Tipperary to accept his award. Stay tuned for further details.
