IRISH POST COMMUNITY AWARD

TP emphasises a point when making his
acceptance speech

In 1980 TP was the recepient of a a special award from the Irish Post newspaper.  These community awards were announced each year by proprietor Brendan MacLua in recognition of those who had made significant contributions to Irish life in Britain. 

Also recognised that year were author Maeve Binchy and ballet legend Ninette de Valois.

TP, in common with many of his Irish colleagues, never turned down a invitation from any Irish business or organisation,  whether it was to attend some gala or an opening.

Hard as it may be to appreciate now but the stock of the Irish in Britain in the 60s and 70s was depressingly low, both socially and politically, and TP considered it an automatic obligation to lend his support to any endeavour that would help transform that perception.

Family Affair

The evening also provided a rare outing for the McKenna family.  Well, almost.  Pictured above are (bottom, l to r.) daughter Sally, May & TP and sons (top, l to r.)  Breffni, Ralph and Stephen.  Absent is Kilian who was then appearing with the Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford Upon Avon.