Joseph Cochrane, an 83-year-old resident of west Belfast, received the Benemerenti Medal from Bishop of Down and Connor Alan McGuckian at the Church of the Nativity in Poleglass on Sunday.

The medal, awarded by the Pope, recognises long-standing service to the Catholic Church, including volunteering, education, and parish work. Cochrane, a former primary school teacher, founded Euro Children, which facilitated hosting around 20,000 children from Belfast and Derry with European families over 20 years during the Troubles. He also established St Joseph’s Youth Club on the Glen Road and organised pilgrimages to Lourdes.

Cochrane was nominated for the award by Darach Mac Giolla Catháin, a former Euro Child. His daughter, Jane Wilson, stated that the presentation coincided with the second anniversary of her mother's death and was attended by family and former Euro Children participants.