Cookstown pioneer becomes first recipient of Francis James Livingstone achievement award

He was presented with the award when Armagh diocesan pioneer committee held their recent buffet and presentation of pins in Ryandale Hotel, Moy.

The president, Eileen Smyth, welcomed everyone to the venue and gave a special mention to the guest of honour, the national president Frances Egan who had travelled from Galway for the occasion.

After a well served and delicious buffet, the president Frances Egan presented pioneer pins and emblems to the members of the pioneer total abstinence association of the sacred heart.

Frances congratulated all members that received pins, which were silver (25 years), gold (50 years) and diamond (60 years).

The last presentation of the night was the inaugural Francis James Livingstone memorial shield achievement award which was presented by the Livingstone family (Armagh) in honour of their late husband and father.

Anne Livingstone, presented the shield to an emotional Eugene O'Hagan.

In congratulating Eugene, she said he had been the longest serving Armagh diocesan pioneer president of all time (2015-2025) and she had been his secretary during that time and he was a very worthy recipient.

He has also been the chairperson of the Cookstown pioneer regional committee for over 20 years and is at present the chairperson of the Cookstown pioneer centre.

Responding, Eugene said he was privileged and honoured to receive the shield in honour of an outstanding pioneer and family man. He added that both himself and his family would treasure the prestigious shield.