It was a great honour for Ann to receive this medal in recognition of her dedication and commitment to church affairs for over 40 years. Ann has been singing at ceremonies in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Tuam all her adult life and even earlier as a young student. The medal is given by the Pope to people who have given long meritorious service to the Catholic Church.
The Benemerenti medal was instituted as a military decoration for members of the Papal Army by Pope Pius VI (1775-1779). In 1831 under Pope Gregory XV1 (1831-1846) a special Benemerenti medal was struck to reward those who fought courageously in the Papal Army at Ferrara and Bolonga. In 1925 the concept of awarding this medal as a mark of recognition to service of the Catholic Church both civil and military, lay and clergy alike became acceptable. Members of the Swiss Guard may receive it for three years of faithful service.
Ann now takes her place among others who devoted their energies to Church affairs. Ann was part of the “Tuam Reunion in London Team”, while living in London in the early 70’s. She was teaching in St Anne’s Convent Ealing at that time. Archbishop Cunnane and the Emigration team of priests attended the liturgies and celebrations which were a vital part in that era. Ann served in many capacities both at Parish and Diocesan levels, from Parish Councils, School Management Boards both Primary and Secondary schools. She is a qualified Youth Minister Leader. She studied Applied theology at N.U.I.G.
,Ann was a former member of the Tuam Cathedral choir, director and leader of the Youth Choir for many years. She arranged and directed the Annual Diocesan music in Lourdes. Ann was also a member of the Diocesan Renew Team.
Ann enjoyed a busy and fulfilled life for which she is most grateful. Music has been central to Anne’s life and it is through her music she is best known. Sister Fursa, Presentation Convent was her early music teacher. Later Ann attended Liturgical music seminars as well as training sessions in Maynooth College. Ann had the honour of participating in Archbishops inaugurations, priests ordinations, major church events and centenary celebrations in both the Mercy and Presentation Convents. As a teacher in the parish of Tuam she was involved in the music for Communion and Confirmation ceremonies for many years.
Ann Mc Loughlin is a member of an old Tuam family the Hessions who were steeped in traditional Irish music. She was a great supporter of the Tuam Branch of Ceoltas Ceoltóirí, achieving numerous awards at various competitions and at Fleadh Ceol na hÉireann.
Ann expressed her gratitude to the people of Tuam for their support and friendship through the years in which she participated as a soloist in so many liturgies, special occasions, marriage and funeral ceremonies.
Ann is most grateful and overwhelmed by the support, good wishes, friendship she has received and experienced from colleagues, friends, family and the general public.
We in RTAI wish to extend to Ann her husband Tony, daughter Lisa and son Kevin who attended the service in the Cathedral, to her daughter Sinéad and family USA and son Ronan in Scotland our sincere Comhgháirdeas ó chroí. We look forward to many more great occasions when Ann will delight us with her glorious voice. Nár laga Dia thú.
Le cúnamh Dé tiochfaimid arís le chéile nuair a bheidh COVID 19 imithe.
Beannachtaí,
Mary Kyne 2020