Sir Bob, Jamie Oliver and Niall Fitzduff

Niall Fitzduff, Chief Executive of the Rural Community Network (RCN) has been announced the winner of the Northern Ireland category for this year's Beacon Prize. Along with Sir Bob (winner of the Leadership category) and Jamie Oliver (Most Generous Celebrity), Niall has been recognised for his exceptional contribution to charitable and social causes.

The announcement was made at an event to discuss post-tsunami charitable giving at the Royal Society of Arts in London last month.

Niall was chosen for his outstanding contribution to charity - establishing RCN to articulate the voice of rural communities on issues relating to poverty, disadvantage and community development.

"I am thrilled to get the Beacon Prize, not least because it will hopefully draw more attention to the needs of those living in rural communities in Northern Ireland," he Niall.

Niall worked with community organisations to establish the Network in 1991 which today has a membership of almost 600 community and voluntary groups.

His name has become synonymous with rural community development in Northern Ireland. He has demonstrated both leadership and innovation, developing and promoting good practice in the community and voluntary sector.

His work has been instrumental to ensuring that the needs and voices of the most disadvantaged are heard by decision and policy makers.

In addition he has been praised for his tireless efforts to help overcome troubles in the country by working with local and rural communities at grassroots level.

Emily Stonor, Chief Executive of Beacon, said "We are delighted to award Niall the Beacon Prize for Northern Ireland. He has made a huge difference to the lives of those living in rural communities, especially those most disadvantaged."

Emily Stonor at Beacon
020 7849 6550
emily.stonor@beaconfellowship.org.uk

Beacon Prize Winners 2004
www.beaconfellowship.org.uk