Inishowen Couple to Receive 2025 Tip O’Neill Award in October

UPDATE: An Inishowen couple, Eileen and Seán Donaghey, are set to be honored at the prestigious 2025 Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards on October 17, 2025, at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel in Buncrana. This event, beginning at 6:30 PM, celebrates their remarkable contributions to the Irish community in Australia.

The Donagheys, originally from Rashenny, Ballyliffin, and Cockhill, Buncrana, have spent over 34 years in Sydney, where they have become beloved figures known for their dedication to the Irish diaspora. Their award-winning restaurant, Mulligans, opened in 1994 with support from popular Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell, has served as a cultural haven for Irish emigrants, especially from Donegal.

Eileen and Seán have transformed Mulligans into more than just a restaurant; it is a community hub providing jobs, support, and a sense of home for those navigating life abroad. Their commitment to Irish culture and charitable causes has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for organizations in both Ireland and Australia, including a remarkable €250,000 for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust during a single fundraising event.

In a heartfelt statement, the Donagheys expressed their gratitude: “We are truly honoured to be nominated for the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award and absolutely thrilled to be returning home to Donegal this October. To be recognised in the place where our journey began means more than words can say.”

Their charitable efforts have been especially inspiring. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they kept the community connected through online cooking sessions, providing both comfort and camaraderie during difficult times. Eileen and Seán recently celebrated 47 years of marriage, underscoring their enduring partnership and deep commitment to cultural preservation and community service.

The couple will be honored alongside fellow awardees Vincent Keaveny and Danny Hutton in what promises to be a spectacular evening celebrating the very best of the Irish diaspora.

Tickets for the 2025 Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards are available now via Eventbrite at this link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/tip-oneill-irish-diaspora-awards-2025-tickets-1380359936729. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this momentous event that honors those who have made significant impacts on communities worldwide.

Stay tuned for further updates as this inspiring story unfolds and as the awards date approaches!