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Killarney woman stunned to receive medal from Pope Francis

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BY MICHELLE CREAN

 

A Killarney woman is still getting over the shock of being bestowed with one of the highest honours of the Catholic Church – a medal from the Pope.

77-year-old Bridie Cronin from Woodlawn was left stunned when presented with the

Benemerenti medal - an honour awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for dedicated service to the Catholic Church.

Bridie, a retired school teacher who spent 27 years in St Oliver’s NS, implemented the first Safeguarding Children policies to the Diocese of Kerry, helping every parish train and draw up their own safe practices when working with children.

She was also instrumental in compiling the ‘Diocese of Kerry Safeguarding Children: Standards and Guidance Document for the Catholic Church’, which was sent out to 53 parishes in Kerry.

Tralee man Fred Garvey, a retired Chief Superintendent of An Garda Siochana, who worked alongside mother-of-six Bridie, also received the very special accolade.

Both Bridie and Fred were shocked when presented with the medal by Bishop Ray Browne at a recent dinner.

“We were stunned,” Bridie told the Killarney Advertiser this week.

“It was such a surprise. There was a dinner planned for the two of us to acknowledge our work with the diocesan committee. Then the Bishop starting talking about safeguarding practices, our work, and then he took two boxes out, put them on the table, stood up and presented us with the medals. I am thrilled.”

And she added that she’d like to thank former Bishop Bill Murphy, Canon Declan O’Connor, Mons. Dan O’Riordan and Fr George Hayes who were a great support during the initial stages of implementing the safeguarding policies.

“It’s imperative that there’s a strong vibrant safeguarding committee in each parish and that the priests and parish representatives are totally committed to it. The safeguarding has made a huge difference.”

 

 

 

 

 

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Soroptimist make €3k donation to Rockmount Care Centre

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Members of the Killarney Soroptimist Society visited the Rockmount Care Centre on Wednesday, to present a cheque for €3000 to Nurse Manager Mary Hussey.


The significant sum was raised during the society’s successful annual pancake morning held on Shrove Tuesday at the Killarney Avenue Hotel.
Rockmount Care Centre provides essential support as a dedicated day care facility for individuals living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, serving many clients and families from the Killarney area.
These funds arrive at a vital time, as they are earmarked for the centre’s new sensory garden project, which is currently in the design phase.
Pictured at the presentation are Soroptimists members handing over the proceeds to Mary Hussey. The society extended their thanks to the Killarney Avenue Hotel and all those who supported the fundraiser to help make this donation possible.

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Public realm works begin on Main Street and Kenmare Place

Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This phase of the project, […]

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Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

This phase of the project, funded by the URDF, focuses on enhancing the streetscape and accessibility of both Main Street and Kenmare Place.
To allow the appointed contractors to carry out the investment safely, a section of the R-878 on Main Street, stretching from Kenmare Place to Plunkett Street, is now closed to traffic. This first period of construction is scheduled to run from April 20 until July 3.
Recognising the importance of the tourism season, the council has confirmed the street will fully reopen from July 4 to October 4 to accommodate peak summer traffic. Following this break, works will resume for a second period starting October 5 and running until December 4.
While vehicle diversions are in place, pedestrian access to all businesses and emergency service access will be maintained throughout the construction phases. Kerry County Council stated that these works are part of a wider programme to improve the safety and quality of the town centre and has thanked the public and local business owners for their cooperation during these essential improvements.

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