In a surprise addition to the recent celebration Mass to mark the Sesquicentenery (150th.) Anniversary of the foundation of the C.Y.M.S the Papal Nuncio, on behalf of the Pope, awarded the Bene Merenti Medal to Tom Sheridan. This was given in recognition of his outstanding contribution to lay religious life in our area. As many of our readers will know Tom has been a stalwart of the C.Y.M.S. all his life. He has worked tirelessly and generously in propagating the Christian message on that organisations behalf.

On the broader front of Catholic action he has given dedicated service to St. Patricks Church, Ringsend in many organisational and fundraising capacities. Tom Sheridan is always on the go and his work over recent years as National Secretary of the C.Y.M.S. brought even further heavy demands on his very full work schedule. Though he will be standing down shortly as National Secretary of the C.Y.M.S. there is no sign of retirement for him. Tom will still continue to work as hard as he can at all his many other duties.

Longterm commitment to voluntary work in our community is sadly becoming a thing of the past. The demands of life in the fast lane leave very little time or simply a lack of interest give an easy cop out. One man who has given a lifetime of commitment is Brendan Moran who earlier this year stepped down as President of the C.Y.M.S. in Ringsend. He served in that office for the past eighteen years.

While that would be commitment enough for any lifetime, Brendans input to the C.Y goes back to his early teenage years, which was not today or yesterday. In recognition of his unstinting work he was honoured with a Lifetime Vice Presidency from the committee of the C.Y.M.S. at their recent Sesquicentenery(150th.) celebrations. Current President, Robert Manners, made the presentation.