Tributes have been pouring in this afternoon following the sudden death of Bishop Emeritus of Clogher, Liam MacDaid yesterday in France. The 78-year-old was Bishop of Clogher from 2010 until his retirement due to ill-health in October 2016.
A native of Bundoran in Co Donegal, he was ordained a Priest in 1969 and was a member of the teaching staff of St Macartan's College in Monaghan for many years before serving as President of the College between 1981 and 1989.
He later served in the Parishes of Fivemiletown in Co Tyrone and in Tyholland, Co Monaghan. Speaking on this morning's Joe Finnegan Show, Dr Gary Carville, Director of Communications with the Diocese of Clogher, said Bishop Emeritus MacDaid will be best remembered for his compassion and gentleness during his years of ministry, most of which was in Co Monaghan.
Dr Carville highlighted the vision the Bishop Emeritus had and his ability to look at new ways of doing things. This was exampled by his setting up of the Parish Support Group (PSG) in conjunction with the Priests' Council, of which the concept of parishes working together emerged.
"Everything he did was for others. He didn't see his ministry either as a priest of as a bishop about himself. It was about service to others. Everything was done in the name of the Lord and it was about bringing the love of Christ to others," Dr Carville added.
Meanwhile, Bishop of Clogher, Larry Duffy has described the late Bishop Emeritus Liam MacDaid as a "compassionate pastor who brought the love of Christ to all the people he ministered to". The Bishop added that his devoted service to the Diocese will be long remembered for its genuine commitment to people and his simplicity of approach.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
