Celebrating Ireland’s affinity diaspora
The Ambassador of Ireland Award in Germany
More than 20,000 Irish people are currently living in Germany, along with a large number of ‘affinity diaspora’ - those who hold a deep appreciation for Ireland’s people, places and culture.
Every year since 2020, the ‘Ambassador of Ireland – St Patrick’s Day Award’ has been awarded to those members of the affinity diaspora who have made an important contribution to the promotion of Ireland and Irish culture in Germany.
The people chosen for this award have been exceptional individuals, making important contributions to Irish-German relations across the fields of art, community relations, academia and law.
Elmar Conrads-Hassel - 2024 winner of the Ambassador of Ireland Award, Germany
2024 winner Elmar Conrads-Hassel, for example, founded the German-Irish Lawyers and Business Association (GILBA).
In the below video, he speaks of his surprise and delight on receiving the award as well as his work over the last 35 years in promoting Irish-German relations.
Dr Katharina Rennhak - 2023 winner of the Ambassador of Ireland Award, Germany
In 2023, the award was presented to Dr Katharina Rennhak, professor of English Literature at the University of Wuppertal.
Prof. Dr Rennhak has been at the forefront of the movement to reinvigorate Irish studies in Germany.
This includes the establishment of the role of “Travelling Visiting Professor in Irish Studies” which has hugely contributed to the reputation, visibility and sustainability of Irish Studies in Germany and further afield.
Matthias Fleckenstein - 2022 winner of the Ambassador of Ireland Award, Germany
The 2022 award recognised Matthias Fleckenstein for his work in promoting Ireland in Germany and deepening relations. Matthias is a founding member of the German-Irish Society in Würzburg.
In the interview below, Matthias speaks about how he came to be involved in the establishment of the German-Irish Society in Würzburg and how a visit to Ireland changed his life.
René Böll - 2021 winner of the Ambassador of Ireland Award, Germany
The inaugural winner of the Ambassador of Ireland Award, René Böll has played an important role over many years, through his writing and art, in keeping alive the links between Achill Island off the west coast of Ireland and Germany, as well as promoting strong relations and mutual understanding between the two countries.