2012 Celtic Ball Honorees in partnership with The Gathering Ireland 2013  

SENATOR MARTIN McALEESE

Dr. Martin McAleese holds an honours B.Sc. degree in Physics from Queen’s University, Belfast and also B.A, and B.Dent. Sc. Degrees from Trinity College, Dublin. He has numerious honorary doctorates, including an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy from DCU. He worked for many years in a large dental practice having previously worked as a financial controller and company secretary with a number of firms. In support of the work of his wife, Mary McAleese, President of Ireland (1997-2011) Dr. McAleese has sought to develop greater trust and reconciliation among communities in Northern Ireland.

In 2010, saw the launch of “Your Country, Your Call,” a national, highly successful competition which was the brain-child of Martin McAleese. Martin devoted considerable time and effort to this initiative bringing together a dynamic team of people from the public and private sectors. His efforts were recognized with a special award at the 2010 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award Ceremony.

In May 2011, Martin was appointed as an independent member of the Seanad, where he will focus on issues which affect the practical interests of the people of Ireland, especially in regard to economic regeneration and employment and in the promotion of peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland.

In July 2011, he was appointed as independent Chair of the Inter-Departmental Committee to establish the facts of State involvement with the Magdalene Laundries. Also, the Governing Authority of Dublin City University appointed Senator McAleese as Chancellor of the University on 29 July, 2011.

In December 2011 Martin received The Business & Finance Award for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to Ireland."

In July 2012 Martin was awarded the "International Tipperary Peace Prize 2011" jointly with his wife, the former President of Ireland, Professor Mary McAleese.