Laurence Crowley awarded Honorary CBE

The British Embassy is pleased to announce that Laurence Crowley has been awarded an Honorary CBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services to UK-Irish relations.

British Ambassador David Reddaway said:

"Laurence Crowley has been a tireless bridge-builder between communities North and South over many years. By bringing together business people and politicians from both sides of the border through the North South Round Table Group, which he co-founded, he has helped transform the relationship between Ireland and Northern Ireland.  His commitment to community development projects in some of Northern Ireland's most disadvantaged  areas has played an important role in reducing tensions and promoting peace and reconciliation. Laurence's contribution to  developing links between Gaisce - The President's Award and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme has also enriched the UK-Ireland relationship.   I am therefore delighted that his contribution has been recognised in this way."  

Laurence Crowley said:

"I am honoured to have been given this award by Her Majesty the Queen.  I strongly believe in the importance of real co-operation between this country and our nearest neighbours, and in mutual respect between the communities on this island.  It has been a great privilege for me in these endeavours to work under the inspiring leadership of President McAleese and Dr Martin McAleese."    

Further Information:

1. Laurence Crowley was educated at Belvedere College and University College Dublin.  He qualified as a Chartered Accountant and became a partner in what is now known as KPMG.  He is the founding Executive Chairman of the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, co-founder of the North South Round Table Group and former Governor of the Bank of Ireland.   He is currently chairman of a number of bodies (see attached CV for more details).

2. British honours are awarded on merit for exceptional achievement or service.  The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire was founded in 1917, initially to recognise service by civilians in the First World War.  The Order now honours civilian and service personnel for public service or other distinctions . Awards to citizens of countries of which The Queen is not Head of State are honorary awards.