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Bishop of Clogher issues statement following death of Bishop Liam MacDaid

 

Bishop Ian Ellis has paid tribute to the former Roman Catholic Bishop of Clogher, Bishop Liam MacDaid, who has died suddenly while on holiday in France.

In a statement Bishop Ellis said; 'On behalf of the Church of Ireland Diocese of Clogher, I wish to extend to Bishop Larry Duffy, the clergy, and people of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Clogher our heartfelt sympathy upon the death of Bishop Liam MacDaid, their former bishop. As someone who had spent his entire ministry in the Diocese of Clogher, Bishop Liam was so well known and highly respected in the wider community.

'News of his death has come as a great shock especially to his family and we hold them and his close friends and colleagues in our prayers at this time. May they know the consolation of the loving care of the Good Shepherd at this difficult time.'

Bishop MacDaid, aged 78, was Bishop of Clogher from 2010 until his retirement due to ill-health in October 2016.

Former Church of Ireland Bishop of Clogher, now Archbishop John McDowell, who worked alongside Bishop MacDaid in the Diocese, paid his own tribute;

Archbishop McDowell said; 'It was with great sadness that I learnt yesterday of the death of Bishop Liam MacDaid, formerly Roman Catholic Bishop of Clogher. My own service as the Church of Ireland Bishop of Clogher coincided almost exactly with that of Bishop Liam’s episcopal service. The big difference was that Liam was a native of the Diocese, had been a pupil at the Diocesan College in Monaghan and had served his entire priestly ministry in Clogher. He knew everything, I knew very little.

'So, it was my good fortune that Bishop Liam was prepared to share the riches of his knowledge and experience with me as we worked together in many ways. Anyone who knew him will attest to his quiet wisdom and unobtrusive manner; the word in season was his métier.

'Bishop Liam had been a robust junior footballer in his youth and introduced me to the breathless speed and skill of Gaelic games, but only as a spectator. Our annual outings to Clones in the company of Bishop Joseph Duffy and Monsignor Shane McCaughey for the Senior Football Final, followed by the match analysis over a good meal are days which I will never forget. Warm friendship, wonderful company; much happiness.

'Nor will I ever forget the depth and sincerity of his huge pastoral heart for those in his care, or indeed of anyone who came within his orbit. Always practical and to the point, where he advised he also helped-in many ways a model of the sort of bishop which Pope Francis values- as he said, someone who had the smell of his sheep about him. A true friend with a deep soul.

'Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.'

Bishop Liam MacDaid was a native of Bundoran, Co Donegal and ordained a Priest in 1969. He was a member of the teaching staff of St Macartan’s College, Monaghan for many years before serving as President of the College between 1981 and 1989. He later served in the Parishes of Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone and Tyholland, Co Monaghan. In addition, he was Diocesan Secretary and Chancellor from 1993 until his appointment as Bishop in 2010.

The Roman Catholic Bishop of Clogher, Bishop Larry Duffy, paid tribute to the late Bishop MacDaid, describing him as a ‘compassionate pastor who brought the love of Christ to all the people he ministered to.’