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King’s Birthday Honours bestowed on local clergy and historian

 


Dean Kenny Hall and Monsignor Peter O'Reilly.

Two well-known clerics in Enniskillen, Dean Kenny Hall of St. Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen, Clogher Diocese and Monsignor Peter O’Reilly of St. Michael’s Church, Enniskillen, have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List for their joint work on peace and reconciliation.

They have both received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to reconciliation and peace building in Enniskillen and County Fermanagh.

Another familiar figure in Clogher Diocese has also been recognised. Mr. Jack Johnston, who is archivist at St. Macartan’s Cathedral, Clogher, is to become a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to local history in Northern Ireland and the Border counties.

In a joint statement both Dean Hall and Monsignor O’Reilly said they are honoured with the recognition.

They said; “We are honoured to have been recommended to His Majesty The King in this year’s Birthday Honours List for the OBE for Services to Reconciliation and Peace Building in Enniskillen and County Fermanagh.

“While our names appear in the citation, we see this recognition as belonging to many people across our community who, over many years, have chosen friendship over suspicion, encounter over separation and hope over fear.

“One of the enduring images of our shared journey has been the simple act of crossing the street between St Macartin's Cathedral and St Michael's Church. For us, that has come to symbolise something important: recognising what connects us as well as what distinguishes us.

“We are grateful for the privilege of serving this community and we thank all those who have walked that journey with us and before us.”

The Church of Ireland Bishop of Clogher, the Rt Rev Dr Ian Ellis, says he is delighted for Dean Kenny Hall and Monsignor Peter O’Reilly.

Bishop Ian said; “‘I am so pleased for Dean Kenny Hall and Monsignor Peter O’Reilly on the receipt of these honours from His Majesty, King Charles.

“Together they have worked tirelessly and courageously for better community and church relationships in Enniskillen and more widely in Co Fermanagh.

“These honours are richly deserved in acknowledgment of the consistent witness both have given to the gospel of reconciliation.”

Dean Hall was ordained in 1998 and after serving his curacy in Cookstown and Dungannon, he was appointed Rector of the parishes of Brackaville, Donaghendry and Ballyclog in the Diocese of Armagh. He was instituted Rector of Enniskillen and installed as Dean of Clogher in 2010. He is married to Stephanie.

Both Dean Hall and Monsignor O’Reilly led the symbolic walking across the street with Queen Elizabeth II in 2012 and they have met with King Charles and Queen Camilla as well as the former President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins. They have shared many special services over the past number of years.


Mr Jack Johnston.

Mr Jack Johnston, who resides at Ratory, Clogher, with his wife, Audrey, is renowned as an authority on local history and fulfils the role of archivist at Clogher Cathedral, where he is an active parishioner. The Cathedral houses important artefacts from the Clogher Diocese through the centuries.

A graduate in history from Trinity College, Dublin, Mr Johnston went on to teach in Dublin and Fivemiletown High School before spending most of his working career advising on adult local history across Northern Ireland and the border counties where he helped local groups publish important information about their areas.

He has been associated with many of the organisations promoting local history including his local Clogher Historical Society serving as secretary and President and he is currently President of the William Carleton Society.

Mr. Johnston has served as governor and trustee of many bodies including the Linenhall Library, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and Armagh County Museum. He is also a Friend of Clogher Cathedral and various museums.
With strong farming interests, Mr. Johnston has continued his strong links with the Clogher Valley Show.

He has served for many years as a member of the Clogher Diocesan Council and Diocesan Synod.

Bishop Ian Ellis congratulating Mr.Johnston on his honour, said; “It is very pleasing to read of this honour for Mr Jack Johnston, parishioner of Clogher Cathedral, who has contributed much to our awareness of local history in the cross-border counties of this part of Northern Ireland.

“Jack’s knowledge and research is well known and admired by all who have read his publications or heard his popular local history talks. He has also contributed to furthering community understanding through appreciation of our shared history.”