He is awarding the honour to Mrs Hannon in recognition of her devoted service over many years to the parish and community of Bodyke and Tuamgraney.
Bishop of Killaloe, Dr Willie Walsh will present the medal and citation at 11am mass in Bodyke on Sunday.
This is the first time the medal has ever been awarded to anyone in the Bodyke Tuamgraney parish and the community are delighted to see Mrs Hannon being honoured with it.
Mrs Hannon, who hails from Kells, Corofin originally settled in Bodyke with her late husband Christy in 1963, where they raised their four children, who still remain in the parish. Sadly, her husband Christy, who had also been very involved with the local church and associated activities, passed away in 1994.
Mrs Hannon has given devoted care and service to Bodyke Church as its sacristan for the last 32 years, a post she shared with her husband for a number of years and one she continues to hold. In addition, she is an active member of the local apostolic works society and is a pioneer. Throughout the years, she has been involved in a number of church and community-based groups including the Clare social services and the Legion of Mary.
Speaking about her commitment to the parish, Fr Maurice Harmon PP said, “Mrs Hannon has been a fabulous woman for history and for passing on the Christian tradition to others, through her involvement with the community and the church. The Benemerenti Medal is being given to her for her outstanding service to the Christian community and the parish of Bodyke and Tuamgraney. She has done everything and anything in the parish quietly and willingly. She has done a wonderful job looking after church and I feel it is important to acknowledge her great years of service and acknowledge that her late husband Christy has also been involved with that with her. She is noted as someone who is deserving of such an honour by the community here. Mrs Hannon is a great woman of prayer and that is also part of the reason why she is getting the medal,” Fr Harmon said.
He added that the parish were extremely proud of her award and that she will be the first in the history of the parish to be presented with the honour.
Sunday’s 11am mass will be concelebrated by Bishop Willie Walsh, Canon Paddy O’Brien and Fr Maurice Harmon and it is hoped that there will be a large congregation present. Light refreshments will be available after mass.