Eleven people were honoured at the Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Abroad ceremony.
Among those who received awards this year was missionary Sr Mary Sweeney.
President Michael D Higgins said she offers hope, faith and empowerment to those whose lives she touches in Sierra Leone.
Also honoured posthumously this evening was the late Terry Wogan. President Higgins paid tribute to the wit, sensitivity and empathy of his broadcasting which he said he did during some very challenging times for the Irish community in Britain.
Speaking as the awards were presented in Áras an Uachtaráin, President Higgins said the principles of humanity and solidarity, of respect for "the other" are ones greatly needed in our times of international strife and uncertainty.
He said Irish people must be a clear voice in the defence of human rights.
President Higgins also said we in Ireland must never avert our gaze from those who currently tread paths of migration and distress.
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
