Published: Wednesday, 25th August, 2010 5:00pm

Belturbet man receives the Papal Medal in Luton

Tom Soraghan (right) after receiving his papal medal from Monsignor Kevin McGinnell; on the left is Sligo lady Eileen Devane.

A Belturbet man who has been living in London since 1954 has received Benemerenti Awards from Pope Benedict XVI.

The medal was presented recently to Tom Soraghan by parish priest, Monsignor Kevin McGinnell, during a service in Holy Ghost Parish Church in Luton, Bedfordshire.

Monsignor McGinnell said the medal was a fitting tribute to a parishioner and also an acknowledgement of the number of people who service their community with great dedication.

Tom is well-known as chief sacristan at the Holy Ghost parish and has also worked in St. Mary's Church in Dunstable, Bedfordshire and both roles, says Monsignor McGinnell, involved great dedication.

Tom celebrated his 75th birthday on August 2 and was employed in the scaffolding business during his working life. He left number 8 Marian Park at the tender age of 18 years, way back in 1953.

They celebrated another happy event last Sunday when their daughter Mary, who is a detective sergeant with the CID in Luton, gave birth to a baby girl, which is the couple's second child.

Tom has been very involved over the years in the Luton community and has been very active from the early days with the local Cavan Association.

The association is well known for its many caring activities in the community. Mons. McGinnell also paid tribute to the families for supporting their loved ones.

Their families worked very hard to bring many families and friends together to enjoy the wonderful celebration that followed the presentation at the Holy Ghost Parish Centre in Luton. Sligo woman Eileen Devane, originally from Sligo, also received a papal medal.

Tom met his wife Kathleen who hails from Ballingarry near Thurles in Luton in 1963 and got engaged in Cavan town. They were married in 1967 in Dunstable and the couple have a grown-up family of four daughters, including twins Kathleen and Margaret, Ann and Mary and son Thomas.

Tom says they are now 43 years married and are hoping to make it to their Golden Jubilee, God willing.

He never lost touch with Cavan and his native Belturbet and is an avid GAA supporter and played for both the Rorys and in Luton in his younger days.

"I have no regrets - this country has been very good to me," concluded Tom.