Paul Keane and Ambassdor H.E. Lina van der Weyden

Mr Keane was decorated with the rank of Commander of the Order of the Polar Star, becoming only the second Irish person to hold the rank in its nearly three centuries of existence.

The ceremony took place late last year in the presence of Mr Keane’s family, colleagues and friends. Former Swedish ambassadors with whom he served joined the occasion by video to pay tribute to him.

Mr Keane was appointed as honorary consul general after the Swedish Embassy in Dublin closed in 2010.

Initially appointed for four years, he went on to serve for 14 years — until the embassy was eventually re-established.

Consulate services were provided in the offices of Reddy Charlton, with the support of the staff of the firm.

In addition to providing administrative services to Swedish citizens, the consulate provided support to Sweden’s ambassadors to Ireland, based in Stockholm, and promoted trade and tourism between Ireland and Sweden.

Mr Keane continues to serve Sweden’s interests as chair of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Ireland.