Denis O’Donovan of Ballyryan, Donohill, Co Tipperary
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12 Mar 2026
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12 Mar 2026
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Marie Gallagher was bestowed with the Papal Benemerenti
Marie Gallagher was presented with the Papal Benemerenti medal in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Mountcharles.
In the service by Very Rev Liam Boyle, PP, Marie was joined by family and friends to mark this great honour.
The word Benemerenti translates as ‘good merit’ and this medal is bestowed by the Pope upon members of the clergy or laity.
It dates back to Pope Pius VI (1775 - 1799) as a military honour for soldiers in the Papal Army.
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In 1831 under Pope Gregory XVI (1831 - 1846), a special Benemerenti Medal was created to honour Papal Army soldiers who demonstrated valour in battles in Ferrara, Bologna and Vienna.
Its scope was expanded in 1925 to include people serving the Catholic Church in any way.
The current design of the medal was crafted under Pope Paul VI (1963-1978) and features a gold Greek Cross portraying Christ with his hand raised in blessing.
It also features the Papal emblem, as well as the coat of arms of the incumbent Pope, and a ribbon in the Papal colours of yellow and white.
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