Two Offaly parishioners are presented with Benemerenti Medal

TWO long serving members of St Rynagh’s Church in Banagher were awarded the Benemerenti medal on Saturday evening last during Mass.

Fr Pat Kiernan PP said “This evening we announce a special honour and tribute to Josephine Martin for her wonderful service to St Rynagh’s Church Choir and also in the past for her service and membership of the Parish Pastoral Council, the Liturgy Group, the Church Care Group, the Altar Society and the Church Renovation Committee. As Church Organist she has inspired all of us to give glory and praise to God in music and song.

"You have helped us to pray and your music has brought joy, hope and comfort to many people. The Liturgical Seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and the feast days and Ordinary time have been greatly enhanced by your musical expertise and love for the Liturgy. Confirmations, Weddings, Funeral Masses and other celebrations have been enriched and enhanced by your presence and prayerful devotion to sacred music and your firm belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

"For all of that and much more in the parish and surrounding area we say thanks to you Josephine for your time, talents and generosity. Birr’s loss was certainly Banagher’s gain.”

READ NEXT: Country superstar in fundraising concert for Offaly church this Friday

Turning to the second recipient Fr Pat said “Today we also honour Jim Windsor McGlynn from the stony grey soil of Monaghan. Almost 50 years ago Jim came to Banagher to teach English, French and Communications in the Vocational School and later in Banagher College Colaiste na Sionna. A wonderful dedicated teacher who was always kind, caring and supportive to all his students, Jim’s motto in school was ‘Every child, every day every chance’.

“Jim’s abilities and talents were not just confined to the school. He invested himself wholeheartedly in the community, a founder member of the Credit Union in 1984, a co-founder of the Boy Scouts and loyal leader from 1979 to 2000.

"He was Chair, Secretary and Parents Rep on Boards of Management in both Primary and Secondary Schools. Jim is currently the Chairperson of the Pastoral Council, a member of the Finance Committee, a member of the Choir, a member of the Sacristan Group, a Eucharist Minister, a reader of the Word, a counter of the Church collections and a co-ordinator of the counters and also Jim co-ordinated the delivery and distribution of the Church envelopes, calendars and cards at Christmas.

"For all that and more we salute and give thanks to Jim for his generous service in so many different ways. In the words of Patrick Kavanagh Jim understood that God is in the bits and pieces of everyday.”

READ NEXT: Poignant day as popular Parish Priest bids farewell to Offaly parish