Order of Malta long service awards presented in Nenagh

Published: Fri 21 Feb 2020, 9:28 AM

Last updated: Fri 21 Feb 2020, 9:32 AM

Some 110 years of medical service to communities across Tipperary were honoured at special awards ceremony in Nenagh last month.

Two members of the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps, with a combined service record of 110 years, were honoured at the awards ceremony, which was held at the Hibernian Inn. Capt Michael Moloney and Lt Dave King received medals in recognition of 60 years of service and 50 years of service, respectively, from Regional Director, Asstistant Commander Tony O'Mara,and Assistant Regional Director, Captain Carmel Peacock, with current Officer-in-Charge of the Nenagh Unit, Lt Nora O'Loughlin and many past and present members of the unit also in attendance.

During Michael's time in the organisation, he has helped establish and re-energise the units in Tuam, Birr, Roscrea and Nenagh. He was Officer-in-Charge in Nenagh for a number of years and also took the lead in fundraising.

Dave commenced his association with the Order in Birr, where he was trained by Michael. Later, when his work brought him to Nenagh, he became very involved in activities and was Officer in Charge for almost a decade. His dedication to the work brought him to join the HSE and he became a full-time paramedic in 1995, only retiring recently.

This was a unique event as it is very rare to have service medals for these lengths of record to be presented outside of Dublin, which is the location of the Headquarters of the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps. Thus, in view of the tremendous service both men have given and continue to give to their nearby communities, National Director, Commander John Wright KM gave special permission for the ceremony to take place in Nenagh.

Both Michael and Dave were joined by family members and among the many paying tribute to their service were Commander Tom Hanly KM of the Limerick Unit, who also brought a display of memorabilia and Captain Dennis Jordan KM of the Thurles Unit, who has worked on many pilgrimages with both Michael and David.

Caption: Captain Michael Moloney, Ballygraigue, Nenagh, was honoured by the Order of Malta for 63 years of outstanding service. He received a medal at a presentation function at the Hibernian Inn, Nenagh, where he is pictured celebrating the great achievement with family members. Seated: Una and Michael. Standing: Gearóid, Mairéad, Sinéad, Eoin. Absent from photo: Micheál (in New York) and Caitríona (South Africa).