THE tireless and selfless work of ‘Good Samaritan’ Maureen Muldoon was recognised on Saturday when she was presented with a British Empire Medal by Viscount Brookeborough.
The award recognises meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown and, in Maureen’s case, it was her sterling work for countless charities throughout her life.
Such is the prestige and significance of the award it is usually presented to recipients by the Queen, but due to Maureen’s reduced mobility, t Viscount Brookeborough presented the award on the Queen’s behalf.
He spoke of the privilege at presenting the award on behalf of the Queen, but also how lucky he was to get the chance to meet Maureen, whom he described as the, ‘the most amazing person’.
“She has worked voluntarily for so long and for so many groups, and the award has gone some way to recognising her huge contribution to the community.
“I knew very little about her before, but if she had helped only one of the groups she did, it would have been worthy of recognition, but she helped dozens.
“I think the point to be made is that this is someone who was not just a volunteer for a single cause or organisation; she was involved in countless fundraising efforts. She was miles ahead of her time.”
Inspector Roy Robinson joined Maureen’s family and friends at the Westville Hotel, Enniskillen.
He too spoke of her ‘inspiration to the whole community’.
“The world is richer because Maureen Muldoon has walked this way. Nobody deserved the award more, the amount of work she has put in all her life has just been phenomenal.”
He said Maureen was simply blown away by the recognition.
“She was just over the moon she got it. She was delighted and kept asking: ‘why me?’. But everyone there agreed no one deserved it more. She went over and above, and went the extra mile every time. She offered help to those less fortunate and was always there for those in need.
“Even in the Graan nursing home where she now resides, Maureen is raising money by selling tickets for the Graan draw.
“She is a woman who has raised money all her life, and has made life better for so many people. She is just a wonderful woman. If everyone was like Maureen Muldoon, it would be a wonderful world to live in. She can see the good in everyone.”
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