Laois 90 year old receives Papal medal for voluntary work
The man continues to deliver Meals on Wheels into his 90th year.
Crossneen man Jim Carthy will be awarded the Benemerenti Papal medal for service to his community.
This is a rare and highly respected award, which is reserved for those who have exhibited long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church, their families and community.
In a special mass, Bishop Denis Nulty will confer Mr Carthy with the medal in the Graiguecullen /Killeshin parish. This mass will take place on Saturday July 6 at 6:30pm.
The award is in recognition of his work delivering Meals on Wheels on behalf of St. Fiacc’s House and St. Catherine’s Community Services Centre. Mr Carthy also delivers food parcels for St Clare’s Hospitality. These charities are located on the Laois/Carlow border.
Originally from Walsh Island in Co. Offaly, Mr Carthy moved to the Crossneen in 1977. “Sure I’m still a blow-in,” joked Mr Carthy.
He first began volunteering with Meals on Wheels in the locality upon his retirement in 2000. Five days a week for over 24 years, he has volunteered his time to give back to the vulnerable in his community.
“I work all over, it helps that I know all of the routes out and about Graiguecullen and Portarlington,” he said.
Now in his 90th year, Mr Carthy still continues to deliver Meals on Wheels and food parcels to locals.
“I’m a bit embarrassed to be receiving the award, but I have Fr John Dunphy to thank for that,” said Mr Carthy.
“It’s a privilege and a great thing to still be able to do this work now in my 90th year,” he said.
“I’m on the road five days a week, I get the rare day off. On top of the Meals on Wheels, I deliver around 25 food parcels for St. Clare’s too,” he said.
Mr Carthy has no plans to give up the work he is doing any time soon.
“As long as I’m fit and able, I’ll keep it going,” he said.