Fitting Honour For Gougane Sacristan | Diocese Of Cork & Ross

Honour for Sheila O’Leary

Sheila O'Leary who became a Dame of the Order of St Sylvester for her over 40 years of service as sacristan in St Finbarr's oratory Gougane Barra. Bishop John Buckley Bishop of Cork and Ross presented what is one of the high awards for people for their service to the church on behalf of Pope Francis. Rev Dr Tom Deenihan Diocesan Secretary is pictured left and Fr Martin O'Driscoll PP Uibh Laoire parish is right of picture (Photo: Catherine Ketch) — Sheila O’Leary who became a Dame of the Order of St Sylvester for her over 40 years of service as sacristan in St Finbarr’s oratory Gougane Barra. Bishop John Buckley Bishop of Cork and Ross presented what is one of the high awards for people for their service to the church on behalf of Pope Francis. Rev Dr Tom Deenihan Diocesan Secretary is pictured left and Fr Martin O’Driscoll PP Uibh Laoire parish is right of picture
(Photo: Catherine Ketch)

Sheila O’Leary retired sacristan of St. Finbarr’s Oratory, Gougane Barra was duly honured recently as a Dame of the Pontifical Order of Saint Sylvester.
It was a fitting honour for Sheila O’Leary who gave so much of her time to the church. On December 29, Sheila was surrounded by her daughters Pauline and Helen and their family along with a host of friends for this momentous occasion. The Pontifical Order of St. Sylvester was founded in 1841 by Pope Gregory XVI. It is conferred on lay persons who are active in the apostolate, particularly in the exercise of their professional duties.
Pictured from left are Fr. Tom Deenihan, Diocesan Secretary, Dame Sheila O’Leary, Bishop John Buckley and Fr. Martin O’Driscoll, Parish Priest.