# Comedy star wins Irish philanthropy award

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2015/01/27/comedy-star-wins-irish-philanthropy-award/
- Published: 2015-01-27T13:55:36+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**_Mrs Brown’s Boys_ star and creator Brendan O’Carroll has been named National 
Philanthropist of the Year by the [Community Foundation for Ireland](http://www.foundation.ie)
for his work with St Vincent de Paul (SVP).**

In 2013 Mr O’Carroll gave €225,000 to SVP and €100,000 to Irish Autism Action. He
has been associated with SVP for a number of years. He has also given support to
DEBRA Ireland and the Grace Nolan Foundation.

_[Video at http://www.youtube.com/\_wiyBIEC3vA no longer available]_

## Advertisement

 [⌊Posthub advert. You create the campaign. We'll handle the postal journey. Get started at post-hub.co.uk.⌉](https://fundraising.co.uk/ads/posthub-20261007-300x250/)

The corporate philanthropy award was given to BNY Mellon for their work with Acquired
Brain Injury Ireland in Wexford. BNY Mellon has provided in excess of €60,000 through
direct donations, team-oriented volunteering, and employee/company matched fundraising
to establish The ABI Ireland Clubhouse Day Resource Service.

The special Brian Wilson Award was awarded to Jim and Adeline Callery for their 
contribution to cultural and educational projects in County Roscommon, including
the foundation of The Irish National Famine Museum.

The Community Foundation’s CEO Tina Roche said:

> “Philanthropy is from both the head and the heart; it is truly planned giving.
> It focuses on results, on the longer term and on the sustainable. We hope these
> recipients will inspire and challenge others to give in a planned and strategic
> way, such as by setting up a corporate, family or personal fund with The Community
> Foundation for Ireland.”

The [Community Foundation for Ireland](https://fundraising.co.uk/tag/community-foundation-for-ireland/)
manages over 50 funds and, since its foundation in 2000, has awarded over €20m to
community groups and charities throughout Ireland. Grants in excess of €3.7 million
were issued on behalf of donors in 2014 to charities and community groups, the highest
annual amount distributed to date.

 * **[Community Foundation for Ireland’s applications go online](https://fundraising.co.uk/2015/02/10/community-foundation-irelands-applications-go-online/)(
   10 February 2015)**
 * **[Community Foundation for Ireland ends grants programme](https://fundraising.co.uk/2013/01/07/community-foundation-ireland-ends-grants-programme/)(
   7 January 2013)**