Irish Ambassador to Korea, Michelle Winthrop, presented the inaugural Kevin O’Rourke Literary Translation prize to Nam Jeong-geun and Nam Seo-jeong in Seoul this week.
The prize honours Columban missionary Fr Kevin O’Rourke’s contribution to Korean literature and culture.
Commenting on social media about the inauguration of the prize, Ambassador Winthrop said it was “a special day” and Fr Kevin “would be so proud!”
A special commemoration was held on 17th October 2024 at the Irish Embassy in Seoul to honour the life and achievements of Fr Kevin O’Rourke.
The occasion brought together family, friends and colleagues of Fr Kevin as well as Columbans.
You can read about a Mass in Cavan in October to mark the anniversary of Fr Kevin’s death in 2020, which was arranged by the Irish Embassy to Korea in conjunction with Kilmore Diocese, the diocese in which Fr Kevin O’Rourke grew up. Columban Fr Liam O’Keeffe was the main celebrant, a friend of Fr Kevin’s, who served on mission with him in Korea. See: https://columbans.ie/fr-kevin-orourkes-great-missionary-contribution-recalled/
The Irish Embassy in Korea has kindly provided this video memory of the event in Seoul.