Benemerenti Medal recipients Eileen Maloney and Gary Morrissey with Fr Tom Corbett and (back, from left) Fr Pat Gilbert, Fr Michael Harding, Fr Pat Treacy and Fr Michael O'Meara. Photograph by PJ Wright.

Benemerenti Medals for Roscrea parishioners

Published: Thu 1 Jun 2017, 4:25 PM

Last updated: Thu 1 Jun 2017, 5:28 PM

Two very worthy parishioners were honoured with Benemerenti Medals in Roscrea last week.

The Papal accolade was bestowed on Eileen Moloney and Garry Morrisey for their significant and lengthy contribution to Christian life in the parish.

Eileen Moloney has given herself, her time and gifts to the parish choir and community for a lifetime. A Roscrea native, she joined the choir of St Cronan’s in 1948. Eileen's voice has filled the church while her presence has enhanced the choir. She served under seven organists and is still a vibrant and powerful voice in the gallery.

Eileen was for many years a prominent and faithful member of the parish liturgy group and she read frequently at Mass. She also contributed her talents to Roscrea Musical Society, which is closely linked with the parish, and she served as its President over a long period. She lived her life as a loving wife and mother with her husband Paddy, who was also an active member of the parish, and together they contributed greatly to the life of Roscrea community.

Garry Morrissey was born in Dungarvan but arrived in Roscrea in 1959. On his first day in Roscrea he met the love of his life Anne, whom he married in 1964; they lived a fruitful family life for years on Convent Hill.

Garry joined the Parish Council at its inception after Vatican II and remained a very active member until retirement in 2013, serving for many years as the faithful Secretary of the Council and being a motivating force for good.

Garry played a leading role in the financial affairs of the council; he was a main participant in the organising of a very successful draw in the early '70s. He worked so hard, with many others, that they were able to pay school bills and present £84,000 to Dean Cuddy; some achievement indeed!

Also serving as a reader at Mass for many years, Garry read in the Monastery for 30 years.

He is also very proud of his outstanding contribution to the Scouts. He entered the Catholic Scouts at the age of 10 and is still a proud and active member.

Garry helped establish 12 new scout troupes; he was a scout leader and looked after them for many years. He was awarded the Founder’s Medal in 1993. As a tribute to him, two priests that Gary introduced to the Scouts concelebrated the Mass at St Cronan's last week.

During the Mass, Parish Priest Fr Tom Corbett said the parish is honoured that Pope Francis considered Eileen and Garry worthy of the Benemerenti Medal. The word 'Benemerenti' means 'well-deserving', and it is conferred on people for their distinguished service to their parish, diocese or other activities in the Church. The medal was first awarded by Pope Pius VI in recognition of military service.

Since 1925, the medal has been awarded to the laity and clergy for significant service to the Church. The current version was designed by Pope Paul VI.