On June 16 of 2015, a city in California became the site for one of the most painful tragedies in recent Irish history.
When six young Irish students lost their lives after a balcony collapse in Berkeley, California, the entire nation of Ireland mourned their loss – and many banded together to offer what help they could to the families and friends of the deceased.
In particular, Father Brendan McBride and Consul General Phillip Grant were honoured at last night’s RTÉ People of the Year Awards, as the joint recipients of the International Person of the Year Award, for the work they did in providing support to Irish J1 students in Ireland after the tragedy, as well as the bereaved families.
The award was presented by former President of the Republic of Ireland Mary McAleese, as well as the fathers of survivors Aoife Beary and Clodagh Cogley.
Clip via RTÉ – IRELAND’S NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE MEDIA.
McAleese also read a statement composed by the families of Niccolai Schuster, Eoghan Culligan, Lorcán Miller, Eimear Walsh, Olivia Burke and Ashley Donohue.
The statement read: “Fr. Brendan and Phillip have been instrumental in supporting all of our families as we coped with the early days of our losses in Berkeley.”
“During these toughest days they offered compassion, empathy and protection at a time when we needed it most.”
“The support and kindness they provided to the friends of our children as they came to terms with this tragedy was limitless. This support has been sustained and continues through to the present day, for which we will always be grateful.”
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