Among recipients of the 11th annual Peace People of the Year Awards (1999) in Dublin yesterday was the late Ms Rosemary Nelson.
Others included Mr Seamus Mallon, former Deputy First Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive, Ms Liz O'Donnell, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Ms Anna Scher of the Anna Scher Theatre in London.
Sponsored by the Cork-based Prayer Enterprise and Christian Effort (PEACE) movement the awards are intended to honour those who work and are working to promote peace and reconciliation in Ireland.
In a statement the movement described Ms Nelson as "a leading human rights defender. She represented the voiceless . . . A bomb attached to her car silenced this very brave woman . . ."
Ms O'Donnell, it said, "played a major role in the Northern Ireland peace process. Not only did she bring television viewers a very welcome alternative to a mainly male-dominated negotiating team, but she displayed great negotiating skills."
When Mr Mallon speaks "one listens with respect, for his words are temperate, measured and sensible". He was a most deserving recipient of the award, it said.
Ms Anna Scher organised workshops where "she challenges people to seek forgiveness after an outpouring of anger and bitterness".
