Bishop recommends ‘modest gentleman’ for Pope’s medal
ONE Limerick man has been given the highest honour from his parish as he has been recommended by Bishop Leahy to receive a religious medal for outstanding service to his community.
After almost 44 years as Conductor of the Abbeyfeale Senior Choir, Dee Dennison stepped down on St Patrick’s Day after the 12 noon Mass, where there were tears, cheers and a standing ovation for the “modest gentleman”, who was “never one for the spotlight.”
Anyone who has met Dee knows this is an accurate summation, as in speaking with him, Dee immediately credited his passionate choir as the reason for his successes, calling them “a great bunch.”
Describing the local man as “a perfectionist” in his homily, Fr Tony Mullins said, “there are no words that express the gratitude of the parish for all the work that Dee put in over all the years since Pope John Paul II came to Ireland.”
He went on to say that the entire choir has “helped to lift the spirits of the thousands of people who have attended services in Abbeyfeale down all those years,” he added.
Adamant that his recommendation comes from an immense team effort, Dee says, it’s all down to a “combination” of hard work and devotion from himself, the parish choir and the musicians.
Having done masses with West Limerick Radio, TV masses, and even choir exchanges with Tralee Choir, the Abbeyfeale group is described as “co-operative in every way” by the humble conductor.
Not forgetting those who fuel the choir, Dee said, “we got full support at all stages from the clergy. They have always been fully behind the choir, and a great support.”
A presentation from the parish was made at the noon service on March 17, and it was announced that Bishop Leahy had recommended Dee for the historical Benemerenti Medal.