Mary Davis has been granted the Albert Schweitzer Leadership for Life Award for her work within the Special Olympics movement.
The Special Olympics International CEO was honoured by the Ireland Chamber of Commerce at a ceremony in New York over the weekend.
The Mayo native is the first non-US citizen to lead the global organisation, having been appointed to the position in May after four decades of work with people with intellectual disabilities.
She was previously national director of Special Olympics Ireland, overseeing the World Summer Games when they were held here in 2003.
Ms David was also a member of Ireland’s Council of State, which advises the president on legislation, from 2004 to 2011. She an unsuccessful candidate for president in 2011.
The award was presented at the the 28th Annual American Celtic Ball at the Plaza Hotel on Friday. Comptroller of New York state, Thomas DiNapoli, was also honoured at the ceremony.