At the Clogher Clergy General Conference on Wednesday 18 October 2023, a presentation was made to Brendan Kelly who is retiring as a Designated Liaison Person for Safeguarding after 16 years of service. Brendan was joined by his wife Sheila and other family members for the occasion, which was attended by members of the Diocesan Safeguarding Committee.
Before making the presentation, Bishop Larry Duffy paid tribute to the outstanding work which Brendan has done for safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults in the diocese. He noted that Brendan has started as a Vetting Officer and then progressed to the role of DLP where he brought his calm disposition and great listening skills to bear, imbued by his great integrity. Bishop Duffy also thanked Brendan’s wife Sheila and their family for their support.
The presentation of the Papal Award “Bene Merenti” was presented to Brendan by Bishop Duffy and Deirdre Boyle, Chairperson of the Diocesan Safeguarding Committee. Sheila was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Martha Smyth, Diocesan Safeguarding Director.
In his words of thanks, Brendan highlighted the great support he had received from a large number of people across the diocese, including Pat Drury, Geraldine McKenna, Ann Molloy, Bishop Joseph Duffy, the late Bishop Liam MacDaid and all of the priests of the diocese, along with parish Safeguarding teams. He also thanked his family and his local priest, Fr Tom Quigley, for their unwavering support in so many ways.
