European Movement Ireland and Frances Fitzgerald receive Trinity European Laureate Award

Posted on: 13 May 2026

The European Movement Ireland and Frances Fitzgerald were conferred with Trinity European Laureate Awards at a double ceremony in the Trinity Long Room Hub Arts and Humanities Research Institute on Tuesday 12 May 2026.

The award was presented to European Movement Ireland in recognition of its outstanding contribution to civic society. Frances Fitzgerald was presented with the award in recognition of her lifetime contribution to equality and public service.

Awarded by the Trinity Long Room Hub, in partnership with Teneo, the global CEO advisory firm, Trinity European Laureate Awards honour individuals and organisations, both Irish and international, that epitomise the European ideal and have made a sustained contribution to European values.  

Prof. Patrick Geoghegan, Provost Dr Linda Doyle, Julie Sinnamon, Frances Fitzgerald, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris

The awards were presented by the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris T.D. Speaking in advance he said: “I am deeply honoured to present the Trinity European Laureate Award to European Movement Ireland for its contribution to Civic Society and to Frances Fitzgerald for her contribution to Women's Rights, Equality and Public Service – I am immensely proud of all that they have achieved and contributed to both our country and the entire European Union.

“These awards recognise the work of European Movement Ireland over many decades for its advocacy and unwavering belief in the European ideal. EMI has helped to ensure that Ireland’s voice in Europe is respected and that the European Union ideals are communicated across Ireland.

“The gold medal for Frances Fitzgerald recognises the exceptional contribution she has made to European policy making and the leadership she has demonstrated on a range of policy issues both nationally and internationally – her positive impact particularly on Women's Rights, will be felt across the European Union for many generations to come.

“As Ireland prepares to take on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, I hope their example inspires us.”

Commenting on the awards, Professor Patrick Geoghegan, the Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub, said: “We are delighted to recognise the remarkable contribution of European Movement Ireland and Frances Fitzgerald to public life and to the European values of democracy, equality, solidarity and co-operation.

“Through civic leadership, public service, and sustained advocacy, European Movement Ireland has helped strengthen Ireland’s place at the centre of a shared European home and successfully combatted disinformation reminding us that informed citizenship and inclusive democracy remain essential to Europe’s future.

“Throughout her career, Frances Fitzgerald has exemplified the European values and has helped to reshape Ireland into a more equal, more open and more compassionate society, one in which diversity is respected, and rights are protected.”

To mark the occasion laureate addresses were delivered by Julie Sinnamon, accepting on behalf of European Movement Ireland, and by Frances Fitzgerald. The event also included a panel discussion on “The Future of Europe and its Challenges”. Panellists included Denise Charlton, CEO of Community Foundation Ireland, and Mark Little, journalist and entrepreneur.

Mick O’Keeffe, CEO of Teneo, Ireland, said: “At a time when democratic values and informed debate are more important than ever, both of these very worthy recipients remind us of the positive impact that principled leadership and civic engagement can have in Ireland and across Europe.

“European Movement Ireland has played an important role in deepening public understanding of Ireland’s place in Europe, while Frances Fitzgerald’s career has been marked by courage, reform and an unwavering commitment to equality. Teneo is proud to partner with the Trinity Long Room Hub in honouring their achievements and in celebrating the values that they so strongly represent.”

Frances Fitzgerald said: “I’m deeply honoured to receive the Trinity European Laureate Award. I have always believed that equality, democracy and the protection of fundamental rights are not abstract ideals, but responsibilities that must be advanced and defended in every generation.

“The European Union has been central to that work, particularly in strengthening rights, supporting women and children, and ensuring that our societies are more inclusive, more tolerant and more just. As Ireland prepares to hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU, we have an important opportunity to show leadership on these values and to help shape a Europe that delivers for all its citizens.”

Julie Sinnamon, who accepted the award on behalf of European Movement Ireland, said: “Since European Movement Ireland’s inception over seventy years ago it has worked to develop the connection between Ireland and the EU, strengthening democratic participation and bringing Europe closer to people across this island through European elections, referenda, and civic society dialogue, as well as informed public debate.

“Today as we look to Ireland’s EU Presidency, we continue to champion Ireland’s role in shaping a stronger, fairer Europe - sparking public engagement, challenging indifference, and standing up for democratic values through courageous, informed discussion. It is an immense privilege to accept this gold medal, and I am most grateful to all those past and present who have contributed to this wonderful recognition today.”

Previous recipients of the Trinity European Laureate Award include former Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Ibec CEO Danny McCoy.

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