Decades of dedicated service as members of Cavan St Vincent De Paul conference, are recognised at a medal ceremony. Back (from left): Anselm Lovett, 60 years of service; Rosaleen Doherty, representing the late Mel Doherty, who gave 53 years of service and Frank McManus, 37 years of service; front, Tom Byrne, 40 years of service; Pat Denning, 65 years of service; Brigitta Sheridan, collecting medal of behalf of Michael Sheridan, 25 years of service; Dennis O’Donnell, 25 years of service; Noelene Sharkey, collecting medal on behalf of Sean Sharkey, who gave 31 years of service. PHOTOS: SEAN MCMAHON

Special SVdP medal ceremony in Cavan

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Cavan St Vincent De Paul Conference committee members overseeing the strategic direction of the Society in the years ahead. Back (from left): Neil Doherty, Maura Costello, Bernie Fitzpatrick, Loreto Ferguson and Anne Fitzsimons, all committee; front, Ger Finn, committee member; Lynda Byrne, vice president; Siobhan Cosgrove, president and Noel McHugh, both committee.

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Decades of dedicated service as members of Cavan St Vincent De Paul conference, are recognised at a medal ceremony. Back (from left): Anselm Lovett, 60 years of service; Rosaleen Doherty, representing the late Mel Doherty, who gave 53 years of service and Frank McManus, 37 years of service; front, Tom Byrne, 40 years of service; Pat Denning, 65 years of service; Brigitta Sheridan, collecting medal of behalf of Michael Sheridan, 25 years of service; Dennis O’Donnell, 25 years of service; Noelene Sharkey, collecting medal on behalf of Sean Sharkey, who gave 31 years of service. PHOTOS: SEAN MCMAHON

Sean McMahon

Published: Tue 10 Jun 2025, 3:07 PM

St Vincent De Paul medals and certificates were presented to long-serving members of the Cavan Conference in the Ozanam Centre in Cavan Town.

Prior to the presentation ceremony, Mass was celebrated jointly by Fr Kevin Fay and Fr Michael Cooke for all past members, some of whom had served the organisation for well over 50 years.

“We as an organisation would like to thank them for their discretion, honesty and kindness to everyone, who sought help down through the years,” said current president of the Cavan Conference, Siobhan Cosgrove.

SVP is dedicated to helping individuals and families struggling financially or socially.

“This includes providing food, clothing and direct financial support and food vouchers,” explains Siobhan.

Great legacy

“Those former members tirelessly raised money, year after year, and have left a great organisation for our present members to carry on that legacy,” enthused the president.

Some dedicated members have passed away in recent years and they include Sean Kelly, Mel Doherty, Michael Sheridan and Séan Sharkey.

Siobhan says the presentation of medals and certificates is a special occasion for past and present members and those representing deceased volunteers. It recognises their dedication and contribution, not just to the organisation but to the community as a whole.

Among the medal recipients were Pat Denning, who joined the Conference in 1964 and served for over 65 years; Anselm Lovett who joined in 1961 and afforded 60 years of service; Tom Byrne who began 1982 and has given 40 years of service to date; Frank McManus, who joined in 1985 and gave 37 years service; and Denis O’Donnell, who joined in 1970 and served for 25 years.

Deceased members

The late Sean Kelly, who joined in 1961, served for 50 years; Mel Doherty, represented by wife Rosaleen, joined in 1972; Séan Sharkey, represented by daughter Noeleen, joined in 1994 and served for 31 years; and Michael Sheridan, represented by daughter Brigitta, joined in 1983. He served as a volunteer for 25 years.