Jerry Case, a US citizen hailing from Maryland, recently received the honour during a ceremony in Washington, DC.

The Good Bike Project, started by Paul McQuaid of River Cycles in Dublin City Centre and whose family is well-known in the Irish cycling scene, has a number of volunteers, including Mr Case.

The initiative has provided 2,621 donated and reconditioned bicycles to Ukrainians who have left the conflict in their country since the beginning of 2022.

During an event honouring many recipients of awards for exceptional overseas service, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised Mr Case's choice to make recent immigrants in Ireland feel at home.

Speaking at the same ceremony, Mr. Case quipped that he thought “my finger was going to the delete button” when he initially got the email informing him, he had won the prize, but then he recognised it was a real message.

He stated that the key to a well-lived life is to find joy in yourself and others, alluding to the movie The Bucket List.

Paul McQuaid, who described his colleague as exhibiting “the best of American” principles, told RTÉ News today that he is pleased of what he and volunteers like Mr. Case are accomplishing.