John F. Kennedy National Award

 

The 2010 John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Award
 
 
Daniel M. Rooney
United States Ambassador to Ireland
 
 
The John Fitzgerald Kennedy Award is presented annually to an American of Irish descent who has distinguished himself in his chosen field.
 
            A man of immense global accomplishments, Ambassador Daniel M. Rooney, is one who has made exceptional contributions to Northern Ireland peace. He has been involved in the Irish Peace Process since the Troubles began in the early 1970s. During his many trips to visit family in Northern Ireland, Dan Rooney saw first-hand the worst violence and destruction. Determined to end the fighting, Rooney worked with the people and the political leaders, including John Hume and David Trimble, to bridge the political and sectarian divide, and promote understanding and tolerance.
 
            In 1987 Daniel Rooney co-founded the American Ireland Fund which supports peace and charity in Ireland. Today the American Ireland Fund has blossomed into a world-wide network named the Worldwide Ireland Funds. More than $300 million has been raised for peace and educational programs in Ireland, dedicated to reconciliation and regeneration.

            Dan Rooney is the owner and chairman emeritus of one of the oldest franchises in the National Football League, the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is also a Pro Football Hall of Famer, class of 2000. In 2002, Dan Rooney officially turned over the title of his seven-time American Football Conference champions and six-time Super Bowl championship Pittsburg Steelers team presidency to his oldest son, Art Rooney II, who had previously served as the team vice president and general counsel. Dan Rooney was named Steelers Chairman Emeritus in July 2009, after President Barack Obama named him the United States Ambassador to Ireland.

            While announcing his intent to nominate Dan, President Obama said ”I am honored and grateful that such a dedicated and accomplished individual has agreed to serve as representative of the United States to the Irish people.” The president further stated, “Dan Rooney is an unwavering supporter of Irish Peace, culture, and education, and I have every confidence that he and Secretary (Hillary) Clinton will ensure America’s continued close and unique partnership with Ireland in the years ahead.”

            Daniel M. Rooney was born in the North Side of Pittsburgh July 20, 1932. He is a 1950 graduate of North Catholic High School, where he played quarterback on the varsity football team. He graduated from Duquesne University in 1955 with a bachelor of arts degree in Accounting.

            Rooney and his wife Patricia live on Pittsburgh’s North Side. They have nine children and 17 grandchildren. Dan and Patricia created the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature and also established a Rooney Fellowship, which brings young people from his ancestral town of Newry to America for career development.

            Highlighting his extraordinary number of awards, in 1985, he was the recipient of the Pope John XXIII Award, the highest award bestowed on a lay person of any denomination who exemplifies humanitarian service to society. In 2008, he was named Honorary Commander of the British Empire by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. for his contributions to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.