Bono presents Hume grandchildren with major award

U2 star Bono has presented John and Pat Hume’s grandchildren with a major posthumous award that recognises the contribution of the late SDLP leader and his wife to public life.
By William Allen
Published 13th Apr 2022, 10:15 BST
Updated 13th Apr 2022, 10:32 BST
The Grandchildren of the late John Hume, Rachel (13) and Ollie (16) receiving applause from surprise guest Bono as they accept the TK Whitaker Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Life on behalf of their late grandparents John and Pat Hume at the 47th annual Business & Finance Awards, in association with KPMG, took place at Dublin's Convention Centre. Picture Andres PovedaThe Grandchildren of the late John Hume, Rachel (13) and Ollie (16) receiving applause from surprise guest Bono as they accept the TK Whitaker Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Life on behalf of their late grandparents John and Pat Hume at the 47th annual Business & Finance Awards, in association with KPMG, took place at Dublin's Convention Centre. Picture Andres Poveda
The Grandchildren of the late John Hume, Rachel (13) and Ollie (16) receiving applause from surprise guest Bono as they accept the TK Whitaker Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Life on behalf of their late grandparents John and Pat Hume at the 47th annual Business & Finance Awards, in association with KPMG, took place at Dublin's Convention Centre. Picture Andres Poveda

The grandchildren of the late John Hume, Rachel (13) and Ollie (16) received applause from surprise guest Bono as they accepted the TK Whitaker Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Life on behalf of their late grandparents at the 47th annual Business & Finance Awards, in association with KPMG, which took place at Dublin’s Convention Centre.

Internationally renowned peace and civil rights campaigners John and Pat Hume were honoured because of their unyielding contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

One of the most iconic images of the peace process was Bono holding up the arms of John Hume and David Trimble - who were awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace - at a concert after the referendum in favour of the Good Friday Agreement.

Unionist leader David Trimble, SDLP leader John Hume and Bono and U2 pictured together on stage at the Waterfront hall in Belfast this evening for a concert to promote a YES vote in the referendumUnionist leader David Trimble, SDLP leader John Hume and Bono and U2 pictured together on stage at the Waterfront hall in Belfast this evening for a concert to promote a YES vote in the referendum
Unionist leader David Trimble, SDLP leader John Hume and Bono and U2 pictured together on stage at the Waterfront hall in Belfast this evening for a concert to promote a YES vote in the referendum

Following the late SDLP leader’s death, Bono sent a message saying: “We were looking for a giant and found a man whose life made all our lives bigger. We were looking for some superpowers and found clarity of thought, kindness and persistence. We were looking for revolution and found it in parish halls with tea and biscuits and late night meetings under fluorescence.

“We were looking for a negotiator who understood that no-one wins unless everyone wins...and that peace is the only victory. We were looking for joy and heard it in the song of a man who loved his town so well and his missus even more. We were looking for a great leader and found a great servant. We found John Hume.”

Pat Hume, who died aged 83, was widely respected for her own contribution and was seen as an anchor in John’s life.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Established in 2016, the TK Whitaker Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Life recognises Irish and international social and political leaders who have been exemplary in their contribution to public life. Since its inception, the TK Whitaker Award has honoured President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, former Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese and renowned producer Lord David Puttnam CBE.

Related topics:John HumeKPMGSDLP

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.