Gabriel Byrne among group recognised for helping Ireland overseas.

A Hollywood star, a human rights lawyer and a priest who supported victims and relatives of the Berkeley balcony tragedy have been honoured by the Irish state.

Actor Gabriel Byrne, solicitor Gareth Peirce - who helped clear the Birmingham Six and Guildford Four - and Fr Brendan McBride, head of the Irish Immigration and Pastoral Centre in San Francisco, are to receive the Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Abroad.

Others among the 10 praised for their work were Mario Vargas Llosa, a Peruvi an politician, writer and Nobel Prize winner, business figure Niall Fitzgerald, Concern chairman Tom Moran and Kenyan-based missionary nun Dr Miriam Duggan.


Press Association.
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