Papal medal for Christy Keeley

From dublin to Rome – that's how far the fame of our retired colleague Christy Keeley has travelled. After 45 years helping the poor and sick with the Oblate Fathers in Dublin, Christy's good works were recognised publicly when he was presented with a Papal Medal recently for his long years of faithful service to the Oblates. Christy, who worked in North Wall, now lives in Kilmuckridge in Co. Wexford. His work with the Oblates goes back over four decades when he assisted at the social evenings at Arus Mhuire. His association with the Oblates included assisting in the pilgrimages to Lourdes, caring for the invalids and helping with their annual sales of work. All this time, Christy was supported by his wife Angela, his family and his friends. Christy has many colourful stories to tell of his years organising events at Arus Mhuire and he travelled the length and breadth of the country collecting items for the Oblates charity work.

During this time also, Christy managed to engage his colleagues in his efforts and he raised funds through a deduction at source scheme that he organised in the power station. The brainchild of Willie McDonnell, 200 staff gave £1 per week and £600 per month was paid out in a prize draw. This continued for 20 years and Christy says without the efforts of his ESB colleagues, Christy Hickey and Willie, he would never have been so successful. He says, "The staff and management weren't found wanting when it came to practical help either."

Christy still accompanies invalids to Lourdes each year, organising the Emerald Isle Girls Pipe Band to accompany the group. Christy and his colleagues organise picnics and events for the pilgrims while in Lourdes – with the refreshments provided being kindly donated by Irish companies. In 1993, Christy became an Honorary Oblate and was conferred at a special ceremony in Dublin in recognition of his good works. Christy would like, through EM, to acknowledge the help he has received from Mick O'Connor and James Foley from ElectricAid Ireland, as well as Fr Vincent Mulligan of the Oblates.

Christy is now making an appeal for the sick in Croatia. Anyone with obsolete crutches, wheelchairs, walking sticks, etc, are asked to contact the Oblate Fathers in Dublin or to drop these items into the monastery at two Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore.