“Joy is a perfect word as Mary’s Meals bring so much joy to the children, their families, their teachers, their communities,” said organiser Patricia Friel.

Ireland's most famous gambler, having raised millions of euro for schools and hospitals in Africa, is honoured by Oireachtas Human Dignity Group.

Charity feeding over 920,000 a day in 13 countries exemplifies Celtic spirit of "going out to the whole world and bringing hope and assistance to people in need" - Senator Mullen.