Paddy Gilligan presented with Benemerenti Papal honour

Paddy and his medal with Fr Gary Darby and Liam and Miriam McDonnell.

The Benemerenti Papal Medal was presented to Paddy Gilligan today to mark 56 years of service to Kilcullen Parish, writes Brian Byrne. The presentation took place after a mass in Curragh Lawn nursing home, celebrated by parish priest Fr Gary Darby.

The medal and accompanying certificate was handed to Paddy by the owners of Curragh Lawn, Liam and Miriam McDonnell. It's the second Benemerenti honour awarded in the parish this year, following the recent presentation of the medal to Norah Breslin, who served in a range of ways for over 50 years, especially through her musical contribution.

Paddy Gilligan says he was first asked to help with parish activities in 1968 by the late Canon Furlong, and continued under every parish priest since. His contributions included serving on school boards, the parish Finance Committee, and on the Parish Council.

Today's event was attended by members of his family, including his children and grandchildren, siblings, and a number of other parishioners with whom he had worked down the years.

Paddy will be celebrating his 90th birthday in the coming weeks, when he hopes to be in Lourdes with the Oblate Pilgrimage, for which Miriam McDonnell has provided her nursing skills for decades.

Fr Darby said the occasion today was a celebration of Paddy's dedication and commitment to the church as well as a celebration of his faith. Music for the event was provided by Joe Kelly, Leah O'Sullivan and PJ Lydon.

The Benemerenti award is presented on behalf of the Pope of the day, in this case Pope Francis who has assigned the honour more than 60 times since he was elected in 2013. The medal dates back to the 18th century, originally designated as an award to soldiers of the Papal Army, and became a civil decoration in 1925. It may still be awarded to members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.

All the Diary's photos from the event can be seen here.

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