Five Offaly parishioners presented with the St Brendan's Medal

FIVE parishioners were presented with the St Brendan's Medal after Mas in St Brendan's Church in Birr on Sunday last.

The five recipients were Michael Hogan, Tommy Hassett, Tommy Lyndon, Rena Haverty and Paddy Quigley, who were honoured for giving countless decades of voluntary service to St Brendan’s Parish community.

Short citations were read out read by Brian Kennedy outlining why each person was being honoured, as follows:

“Michael Hogan is known all over Ireland and beyond for his work as former head gardener in Birr Castle Demesne. During his time there the cherry avenue was just one of many projects brought to fruition. Here in St Brendan’s Church, Michael is known as a loyal parishioner who has given decades of service under successive parish priests, on the pastoral council and finance committees. Michael was ever present at the 10.30 am Mass each Sunday ensuring the baskets were distributed. On busy occasions he excelled as usher, making sure everybody was seated comfortably. He took great pride in co-ordinating the crowds for the adoration of the cross on Good Friday. Now in his 93^rd year Michael is still very much part of the daily 10am Mass community and the St Pio Prayer group.

“Tommy Hassett is one of our senior parishioners who has made a significant contribution to the life of this parish and of the business community in the area by founding Hassett’s Builders Providers, now a household name in south Offaly and North Tipperary. He was involved with successive pastoral councils over the years and used his practical knowledge of the building trade to make a great contribution to our building committee. Tommy was a leader of that committee when we reroofed St. Brendan's in 2001, renovated the house in Woodlands Park and refurbished Carrig Church in 2008. On a practical level he was involved in parish finances and priests' collections for decades. Tommy was always a safe pair of hands to offer advice and had the parish's best interests at heart in all he did.

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“Tommy Lyndon has made a great contributed to the retail life of this town. For generations he is synonymous with the musical life of Birr. Tommy has played many leading roles in Birr Stage Guild productions over the years and is fondly remembered for his role as MC Leonard Sachs, in so many Good Olde Days productions. Tommy is currently treasurer of Birr Festival of Music and is a founding member of Birr Choral Society. St Brendan's Church is a place close to Tommy’s heart, and he is part of our church choir since his schooldays. A man steeped in church music from Gregorian chant to the modern classics of Fr Liam Lawton; we are fortunate to have Tommy as our choir director and cantor. Tommy in recent times has also made a significant contribution as director of the Brendan Pastoral Area combined choirs. Tommy always knows the appropriate hymn for whatever occasion presents itself throughout the liturgical year. Through his musical talent Tommy continues to enrich the musical life of this parish and pastoral area through his leadership.

“Rena Haverty has given decades of service as a member of St Brendan's Church choir and member of our pastoral council. She is a founder member of the Liturgy Group and its current chairperson. Over many years Rena is a valued member of our Ministry of the Word. Since the sad passing of Mike Davis, Rena has played the small organ downstairs religiously each morning for the 10am Mass. Rena is an active and valued member of our parish community.

“Last and not least we honour Paddy Quigley for a lifetime of service to St Brendan’s Church choir. Paddy has come here in all seasons and weathers to give of his talents to his native parish community. He clearly believes 'He who sings well, prays twice', as St Augustine has pointed out. Those who attend the 10am Mass will be aware of Paddy’s unique contribution there.”

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