A BAGENALSTOWN man was honoured recently for over 50 years’ service to Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann Teoranta (ONET).
The organisation of national ex-servicemen and women held a special ceremony in the Kevin Barry branch, Bagenalstown on Thursday 10 November in aid of founding member Micheál Jones.
Now in his 90s, Micheál is the last founding member left of the local branch and has been a tremendous figurehead for the group. Micheál formed the local branch 54 years ago with Tom Nolan, Dick Farrell, Eddie Doyle and Paddy Tuite.
There was a huge turnout for the special event in Jimmy D’s lounge, including national director of ONET John “Gus” Hennessy.
Mr Hennessy presented the lively local man with a special medal to mark over 50 years of loyal service to ONET.
Micheál is just the second person to receive such an honour and the first in Leinster.
Micheál served in the Defence Forces and in his younger years was a keen sportsman, playing all kinds of sport. Most of all he loved Gaelic football, going to win a Leinster senior medal with County Laois in the early 1940s.
Micheál also played football with the County Carlow senior team. To this day, he is very much involved in GAA in Bagenalstown and still enjoys a walk along the River Barrow track each day.
Fellow branch members told him: “We, your comrades, would like to congratulate you on your great achievement and wish you and your family good health and fortune in the years to come.”