# ‘Corrie’ star wins Irish philanthropy award

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2014/01/31/corrie-star-wins-irish-philanthropy-award/
- Published: 2014-01-31T11:29:08+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

Former Coronation Street star and Boyzone member Keith Duffy has been named National
Philanthropist of the Year in Ireland.

Duffy was recognised for his fundraising and awareness raising work with Irish Autism
Action (IAA). Duffy has been an [autism](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism) campaigner
since his daughter was diagnosed with the condition at age 18 months, and acts as
the patron for Irish Autism Action holding regular fundraising events and informational
talks.

 

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The philanthropy awards, now in their sixth year, are organised by the [Community Foundation for Ireland](http://www.foundation.ie)
and focus on three categories – national, international and corporate philanthropist
of the year. The national award recognises people who made an impact on a nationwide
level.

Diageo Ireland was named Corporate Philanthropist of the Year for its work with 
the Arthur Guinness Fund which awards grants on an annual basis to organisations
working in the sport, arts and community area.

The inaugural Brian Wilson award was given posthumously to Hugh O’Regan, the publican
and hotelier who died in 2012.

Previous winners of the individual award have included JP McManus, Mairead Sorensen,
Declan Ryan and Niall Mellon.

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