The late John Hume and his wife Pat have been recognised for their exemplary contribution to public life in Derry and Northern Ireland.
The Derry couple, who died just over a year apart between 2020 and 2021, were honoured by special guest Bono at the award ceremony in Dublin.
John and Pat Hume's grandchildren Rachel and Ollie collected the TK Whitaker Award on behalf of the Hume family.
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Established in 2016, the award recognises Irish and international social and political leaders who have been exemplary in their contribution to public life.
After accepting the award, Rachel read a poem as part of the Hume family’s acceptance speech.
Ms Hume originally wrote and read this poem at her grandfather John’s funeral.
The poem read:
"Dear Granda, The last time I saw you you weren’t feeling yourself. But we sat and we chatted, we got you something sweet to eat and you came round to chatting and charming like you always used to do. The next day you were right as rain, giving orders and singing songs.
"We used to say you’d be around with the cockroaches. Although I’m heartbroken that that’s not true, I’m grateful that in the end it was peaceful and kind. Just like you. In truth, you have been sick for most of my life. The stories of your brilliant mind and fearless endeavours have been filled in for me by those who remember them better. Despite all this, you were still the biggest presence in the room, the person we talked about most when we were together. In our conversations that went round and round in circles many times the dementia patient ended up seeming as though he made the most sense. You always had a talent for bringing people round to your way of thinking.
"G randa, because of you an entire nation gets to live in a happier and more hopeful reality. Because of you my generation enjoy a security and peace so ubiquitous we often take it for granted. Because of you, your grandchildren know compassion, patience, respect, and the immense value that every person, sick or well, brings to the world. Caring for you will be one of the great privileges of our lives.
"We will miss the singing, we’ll miss the gentle smile, the thousand questions, the Derry nursery rhymes. We’ll miss the gifts of toblerone and instructions to hide them under the bed before our Mammy sees them. Your grandchildren will remember your grumpiness as fondly as we remember your generosity. You dedicated your life to bringing us peace. I hope now you have found some for yourself."
Meanwhile, Ian Hyland, Publisher of Business and Finance, congratulated the winners.
He said: “ This year’s Business & Finance Awards is one of the most important milestones in the context of recognising great business leaders and leadership teams along with truly inspirational political and social leaders in Hank Paulson and John and Pat Hume.
"This is a time that leadership in business can directly and positively impact society more than ever.
"While the past two years may have been most challenging for Irish business, this year's business awards winners have proven that true innovators will not be suppressed regardless of the challenges thrown at them.”
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