The Tipperary Peace Award was founded in 1984. Its principal aim was to give recognition to those who promote the ideals of peace and peaceful co-operation both in Ireland and abroad. Over the years, the Prize has been awarded to a range of peacemakers. Some have taken centre stage; others have worked behind the scenes, in promoting peace under the most difficult of circumstances. They are recognised for their courage in the face of adversity, for their perseverance through the most despairing of situations, for their vision and foresight at times when all around was disillusionment and despair.