Archbishop Robin Eames worked for peace

He will receive the Tipperary International Peace Award at a ceremony in Ballykisteen next week.

The retired bishop joins a list of well-known recipients, including Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela.

Lord Eames, 69, led the church through some of the worst years of the Troubles and was a key advocate for peace. He retired on 31 December.

A Peace Forum in Ballykisteen next Friday will feature contributions from Senator Martin Mansergh, former MEP and Alliance leader John Cushnahan, civil rights campaigner Nell McCafferty and former SDLP MLA Sean Farren.

In a statement announcing him as recipient of the award, the Tipperary Peace Convention paid tribute to his courageous and patient work on reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

Spokesman Martin Quinn added: "He has commanded the trust and respect of very many people and has given imaginative and constructive leadership to the community in the North and throughout Ireland."

He continued: "His foresight, understanding, compassion and dignified counsel reassured many during periods of turmoil and trouble, both in Northern politics and in church affairs.

"He has been a ceaseless advocate for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and his commitment to a peaceful new society where everyone is valued has been an inspiration to many."

Lord Eames, who was ordained as a minister in 1963, studied law at Queen's University, but turned his back on a legal career in favour of the Church of Ireland.

He became Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland in 1986 and was a select preacher at Oxford University the following year.