August 3, 2020 • 2 min read
GOAL today paid tribute to the late John Hume, describing him as “a great humanitarian” as well as one of the most significant peacemakers of our time.
GOAL CEO Siobhan Walsh noted that Mr Hume will long be remembered at GOAL as a deeply committed supporter of our work around the world over many years through his friendship with founder, Mr John O’ Shea. He was the first person to receive all three major peace prizes: Nobel, Mahatma Ghandi and the Martin Luther King Award.
Ms Walsh said: “Mr Hume consistently demonstrated his commitment to tackling injustice and poverty at home and around the globe. He inspired our staff. GOAL remembers his kindness when he donated a portion of his prize money from the Mahatma Ghandi Peace Prize to support GOAL’s work in Malawi. It was a powerful statement to the thousands of staff and the communities we work with.”
“When the 1994 ceasefire agreement was announced he wore a GOAL tie, a significant gesture reminding us all that while Ireland suffered hugely during the troubles, other nations were also struggling with the devastating consequences of war and conflict.”
“In Mr Hume’s own words he wanted to see Ireland as an example of what can be achieved by living for ideals…an Ireland of partnership where we wage war on want and poverty… where we build together a future that can be as great as our dreams allow. “
Ms Walsh said Mr Hume’s legacy is to present us all with a challenge and opportunity to continue with his inspiring work. “There can be no more fitting a living memorial to a wonderful humanitarian.”
She concluded: “Our condolences to his wife Pat, his children Terese, Aine, Aidan, John and Mo, his brothers and sisters and grandchildren. He will be warmly remembered.”
John Hume, wearing a GOAL tie, shakes hands after peace process negotiations
