Papal Honour for Dr Francis J O’Reilly

11 Mar 2002

Papal Award for Dr Francis J O’Reilly

The Investiture of Dr Francis J O’Reilly as Knight Commander of the Equestrian Order of St Gregory the Great took place during Mass in the College Chapel, St Patrick’s College, Maynooth at 5.45pm on Monday 11 March 2002.

The Investiture Ceremony was conducted by Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto, Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, in the presence of the Members of the Irish Episcopal Conference who are attending their Spring Meeting in Maynooth.

The honour was granted by Pope John Paul II in recognition of Dr O’Reilly’s outstanding contribution to the restoration of the Irish College, Paris, since 1986. The College was founded in 1578 and for four centuries educated priests for the Church in Ireland.

Dr O’Reilly was born in 1922, and educated in St Gerard’s School, Bray, Ampleforth College, York, and Trinity College, Dublin. He has had a distinguished business career, and was Chancellor of Trinity College from 1985 to 1998. He has been a member of the Turf Club since 1967 and was President of the Royal Dublin Society from 1986 to 1989. He was awarded honorary doctorates by Trinity College in 1978 and the National University of Ireland in 1986.

ENDS

11 March 2002

Further information:
Catholic Communications Office: (01) 601 6400
Fr Martin Clarke 087 220 8044
Ms Brenda Drumm 087 233 7797