Ireland’s Prime Minister Brian Cowen honored Chris Boody with the Meitheal Award March 15 in California on behalf of Enterprise Ireland. Boody is director-product management, consumer messaging for AT&T Mobility in Redmond, serves on the Enterprise Ireland’s Wireless Advisory Board and is a master of management alumnus from the University of Washington, Bothell.

Enterprise Ireland is a government agency responsible for the development and promotion of Irish industry worldwide with a collaborative approach for connections, mentoring and market guidance.

At a trade-mission luncheon, Prime Minister Cowen said, “Each year, Enterprise Ireland selects individuals who have significantly helped Irish companies by donating their time and expertise to guide them through the U.S. market. The name ‘Meitheal’ is the Irish name for a work group. It encapsulates the relationship that exists between the mentor and the company, a relationship of coming together to help each other out and creating a synergy.”

The award is hand crafted from a 5,000-year-old chunk of oak from an ancient Irish peat bog which comes with a carbon dating certificate to verify its precise age. The award has two intricately carved inter-twining flames rising to a point.