Watch: Mary McAleese Sends Moving Video Tribute To LGBT Community

The Galas were held at The Mansion House last Saturday night. The GALAS were set up by Gay Community News and the National LGBT Federation to honour lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people and organisations for their contributions to Irish society. Past president of Ireland Mary McAleese was awarded the prestigious title of 'LGBT Ally' on Saturday night and as she couldn't make it to the event in person, sent a heart-warming video message to all in attendance instead. She spoke candidly about a letter she received from a parent of a gay son during last year's referendum. The parent, who wrote the letter anonymously, described their own son as 'evil'. Mary McAleese speaks out in the video in defence of the child in question;

"I hope that young man is with you tonight. I hope he's somewhere where he knows he's not evil, where he knows he has allies. Where he takes reassurance from the fact that two out of three voters - last year on May 22nd - made it their business to let him know that they are his allies, they are his colleagues, they are his equal"

You can see the video in full here:

LGBT Ally of the Year: Mary McAleeseWatch Mary McAleese's inspiring, powerful acceptance speech for the LGBT Ally of the Year Award at The Galas 2016, where she was recognised for her role in making Ireland a better place for its LGBT citizens. Posted by GCN on Wednesday, March 2, 2016

A full list of the Gala winners are available on the Galas website Join the conversation on Twitter @HerFamilyDotie