The following is a copy of a recent press release issued by "Ireland Reaching Out" honoring the volunteer efforts of Roger McDonnell for his support during 2014 with the national Diaspora programme

Press Release
5th December 2014
Ireland Reaching Out Announces volunteer of the Year 2014

Roger McDonnell has been voted Ireland Reaching Out Volunteer of the Year 2014.  This award recognises the hard work and commitment Roger has shown throughout the year in his role in as Volunteer with the national Diaspora programme.

Roger lives in Maryland, USA and joined Ireland Reaching Out (Ireland XO) in July 2012.  He responded to an email from Ireland XO looking for volunteers who could provide genealogy assistance to people tracing their Irish ancestors and since then has become an invaluable member of the Ireland XO team.

Most of Roger's time as Volunteer is spent reviewing messages from people looking to trace their Irish Ancestors and helping them "break down the genealogy brick walls that they face".  He says "knowing where to find information is the key to providing support".  He provides the HQ team with excellent technical support by tracking and reporting on various data on the Ireland XO website.

He is also the Parish Liaison for parishes in Co. Roscommon.  He says "although I was somewhat apprehensive about being a parish liaison living in the States, it has not been a problem. I would encourage anyone outside Ireland who may be on the fence to give it a try".

Ireland XO Heritage Resource Manager Clare Doyle says "Roger is a remarkable volunteer and like many of our volunteers, he is dedicated, very giving of his time and committed to providing advice and connecting with the Diaspora.  I am delighted he has received this recognition from all involved in Ireland XO".

As 2014 Volunteer of the Year Roger receives a hand engraved Galway Crystal plate.

Ireland Reaching Out is proud to have a fantastic team of Volunteers, who are responsible for activating their local parishes, reaching out to the Diaspora who are researching their origins, and most importantly, ensuring that every returning member of the Irish Diaspora is greeted with a Cead Mile Failte.  This year's Volunteer of the Year Runner-up nominees are Col Cafferky, NSW Australia and Elwyn Soutter, Co. Antrim.  Ireland Reaching Out would like to extend a congratulations to all three winners, and also a huge "Thank You" to all of its Volunteers.

Note to Editor
Ireland Reaching Out (www.Irelandxo.com) is the national Diaspora programme and aims to connect with the 70,000 Irish Diaspora by providing a platform where all people of Irish descent can research and discover their ancestral history, develop relationships with people in their parish of origin and engage with the wider Diaspora community.
For Further Information please contact:
Laura Colleran
lcolleran@irelandxo.com
089 4727860

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