DIOCESAN JOHN PAUL II AWARDS CEREMONY 2017
The Annual Kilmore Diocesan John Paul II Awards Ceremony took place recently in the Cavan Crystal Hotel, outside Cavan Town.
Bishop Leo O’Reilly attended the ceremony and presented the awards. Alan O’Mara (former Cavan Senior GAA Goalkeeper and author of “The Best is Yet to Come – A memoir about football and finding a way through the dark” was the guest speaker at the event. Alan gave a very thought provoking speech to the young people which will resonate with them for a long time to come.
Fr. Ultan McGoohan, Kilmore Diocesan Director of Pastoral Services, led the liturgy during which musicians from St. Aidan’s Comprehensive School provided the music. Members of the local branch of the Knights of Saint Columbanus were also in attendance as were Tony Brennan, National Coordinator of the Pope John Paul II Awards and Seán Coll, Director of the Kilmore Diocesan Pastoral Centre.
87 young people aged between 16- 18 received various levels of Awards on the day. There were recipients from 10 different parishes and a number of post-primary schools throughout the Diocese.
The number of recipients has doubled in recent years and it is hoped that this trend will continue.
Anyone interested in pursuing an award should contact Carina McGinnell, Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry on 049 4375004 (extension 103) or by email to youthministry@kilmorediocese.ie
Award Winners and Guests at the Ceremony
Bishop Leo addresses those present
Alan O’Mara addresses the gathering
An attentive audience listens to Alan O’Mara’s inspiring words
Students from Ballinamore Community School with Bishop Leo, Ms. Anne-Marie Madden (Chaplain), Fr. John Cusack CC, and Fr. Seán Mawn PP VF
Carina McGinnell, Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Awards Winners from the Cathedral Parish of Urney and Annagelliff with Bishop Leo, Fr. Kevin Fay (Adm.), and Jenny Harte (Pastoral Assistant)
Students from St. Aidan’s Comprehensive School, Cootehill, with Bishop Leo, Alan O’Mara, Mary Ann Smith (School Principal), and Gabriel McQuillan (School Chaplain)
Front Row: Tony Brennan, National Coordinator of the Pope John Paul II Awards; Bishop Leo O’Reilly; Carina McGinnell, Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
Back Row: Alan O’Mara and Seán Coll, Director of the Kilmore Diocesan Pastoral Centre
Award recipients from the parish of Killinagh with Bishop Leo, Alan O’Mara, and their parish priest, Fr. Charlie O’Gorman
Papal Cross Award Winners with Bishop Leo, Alan O’Mara and representatives of the local Knights of St. Columbanus
Pastoral Centre Staff at the Awards Ceremony with guests:
Front Row: Mrs. Eileen Connolly (Centre Administrator), Bishop Leo O’Reilly, Carina McGinnell (Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry)
Back Row: Fr. Ultan McGoohan (Diocesan Director of Pastoral Services), Alan O’Mara, Seán Coll (Director of the Kilmore Diocesan Pastoral Centre)
Enjoying Alan O’Mara’s address are Carina McGinnell (Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry), Fr. Ultan McGoohan (Diocesan Director of Pastoral Services), and Bishop Leo O’Reilly
Award Winners from Kildallan Parish with Bishop Leo, Alan O’Mara, and Fr. Donal Kilduff (Diocesan Secretary)
Award Winners from the Parish of Corlough-Templeport
Award Winners from Bailieborough Community School with Bishop Leo, Martha Lievens (School Principal), Mary Grimes (former School Chaplain) and Mrs McQuillan (newly-appointed School Chaplain).
Photographs courtesy of Adrian Donohoe, Photographer, Cavan