Today, the winners of the Community Foundation for Ireland’s 10th annual Philanthropists of the Year Awards were honoured at a luncheon in Dublin which was hosted by broadcaster Marian Finucane.

Norah Casey took the title of Philanthropist of the Year for her significant support of a number of charities this past year, including The Irish Hospice Foundation, Women’s Aid and Make A Wish Ireland. Casey last year spoke out about the domestic abuse she endured at the hands of her husband, courageously opening up a much-needed dialogue. She said today of her brave admission, “I felt powerless and weak during those years but lately, I began to understand that it also gave me a hidden superpower. Something I didn’t realise I had until a few months ago. I have the ability to help someone who is going through what I went through.”

Bord Gáis Energy was also recognised today as The Community Foundation for Ireland’s Corporate Philanthropist of the Year, for providing funding of €1.2m to Focus Ireland to help with the prevention of family homelessness. Both of the winners, through their selflessness and giving intent, have improved society in both subtle and explicit ways. So today they were thanked for their excellent leadership. Others who have won the accolade include Maurice Healy, Carmel and Martin Naughton, Brendan O’Carroll, Keith Duffy, Chuck Feeney’s Atlantic Philanthropies, Diageo, Vodafone Foundation, Mark FitzGerald and Declan Ryan.