Bríde de Róiste cuts the cake with Bishop Denis Nulty at the celebrations for her receiving the Benemerenti medal with Mayor of Carlow cllr Fintan Phelan, deputy Jennifer Murnane-O’Connor and An tAth Conn Ó Maoldhomhnaigh, President Carlow College
Bishop Denis Nulty presents the Benemerenti Medal to Bríde de Róiste in Carlow cathedral in recognition of her long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church
Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
By Suzanne Pender
A LIFETIME of dedication to the Irish language, education and the Church was acknowledged at the weekend in a tribute to the extraordinary Bríde de Róiste.
Last Saturday night, Bishop Denis Nulty presented Bríde with the Benemerenti Medal, an award bestowed by Pope Francis in recognition of long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church. Bríde was a very worthy recipient during the 6.15pm Irish Mass in Carlow’s Cathedral of the Assumption.
Bishop Nulty told the congregation that Benemerenti means ‘well deserved’, which is certainly the case for Bríde, who has organised Irish Masses in Carlow regularly for over 40 years.
It was a weekend of celebration for Bríde because last Friday night she was a guest of honour at the 40th anniversary celebrations of Gaelscoil Eoghain Uí Thuairisc in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel (pictures and report next week).
Bríde’s unyielding dedication and tenacity led to the foundation of the school, and from humble beginnings the Gaelscoil quickly grew to educate thousands of children through the medium of Irish over the past 40 years. A presentation honouring Bríde’s incredible legacy was made to her on the night, followed by a standing ovation by all present.
On Saturday night, Bishop Nulty remarked that the school owes its existence to Bríde and others, adding that there are ‘four Cs’ in Bríde’s life – Carlow, the cathedral, Church and her native Co Clare.
Bishop Nulty added that faith and sacrament preparation in the school were also very important to Bríde.
Following the Mass, a reception for Bríde was held in Carlow College.
