Dedicated Tipperary man receives prestigious award for long service

Fr. Conor Hayes presented Willie Fogarty with his Benemerenti medal while also making a presentation to all those who help out in Clonmore Church. Photo Credit: Seamus Bourke.

placeholder image — Fr. Conor Hayes presented Willie Fogarty with his Benemerenti medal while also making a presentation to all those who help out in Clonmore Church. Photo Credit: Seamus Bourke.

Willie Fogarty awarded the Benemerenti Medal for 30 years of service as sacristan.

Congratulations are in order for Willie Fogarty on receiving the Benemerenti Medal, a Papal award for over 30 years of service as sacristan at St. Anne’s Church in Clonmore.

Willie has been thanked for his commitment and generosity of time and goodwill to the parishioners and priests of the parish.

Willie and his wife Margaret ensure the church is well kept and that the altar linen is presentable for all occasions.

The Clonmore parishioners have also thanked those who ably assist Willie in his work including the ministry of music, floral arrangements, care of the grounds and preparations for all the liturgical devotions through the year, they acknowledged that the work is "a real team effort".

The award was presented to Willie by Fr. Conor Hayes P.P, at the homecoming celebration for Noel Joyce in Clonmore after winning his fifth All – Ireland title in Scór Recitation.

It was quite fitting that the recitation was entitled “For the sake of the Parish” in keeping with Willie’s long service through all the years.