Widespread shock was felt on Sunday, February 7, when the unexpected death of Fr. Jim Maguire was announced to congregations in both Knockninny parish, where he was reared, and in Cobham and Caterham where he had ministered for many years.

Fr. Jim had retired from parish duties in September 2015, much to the disappointment of his pastoral flock in Cobham, and had returned to his native Fermanagh, where he planned to spend many years in retirement. 

Fr. Jim was born in Corratrasna, Derrylin to James and Nora Maguire in 1941, and, with his siblings, attended Stonepark Primary School until the age of 14 when he progressed to St. Patrick’s College in Cavan. It was there that he had the call to the priesthood and in 1960 went to Carlow to the Missionary Seminary. He was ordained on June 10, 1966 and said his first Mass in St. Ninnidh’s Derrylin, where he was baptised and received the sacraments of Penance, Eucharist and Confirmation.

On his ordination he opted for work in England and was appointed to the newly established diocese of Arundel and Brighton, which serves Sussex and parts of Surrey but he remained in the Surrey area for his 49 years as priest.

In his 49 years he took one year out on Sabbatical (1993) attending the University of Notre Dame, Indiana. U.S.A. He also went to Ethiopia for three weeks to observe the projects he and his parishioners were funding. His one holiday was a trip to Rome organised by the parishioners of Caterham in honour of his Ruby Jubilee.

His annual holidays were spent at home in Derrylin. Fr. Jim loved family life and farm life. He enjoyed visiting his brothers and sisters and took a keen interest in the lives of his many nieces and nephews. He especially enjoyed officiating at their wedding ceremonies, the christening of their babies and other family occasions. His last official engagements were at the marriage of his niece Madeline to Colin Murray and the Baptism of his grand nephew Shea Hugh Brown.

It was, therefore, very natural for him to want to spend his last years close to family. Returning in September 2015, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer on January 17. His last three weeks were spent in the South West Acute Hospital, where he received outstanding care.

His remains went home to his brother Brian’s home for a family wake on the evening of his death. He was met there by his brothers, sisters, 31 nieces, nephews and their spouses. The following evening the remains were taken to St. Ninnidh’s Church, Derrylin, where he lay in state for three hours for private visitation, during which time there was a steady stream of sympathisers. 

His funeral Mass was led by his close friend and former classmate Fr. Fintan Mc. Kiernan, who had attended him devotedly during his hospital stay. Bishop Leo O Reilly presided alongside Monsignor Benny O Shea, a close friend also representing the diocese of Arundel and Brighton. 
Many priests, mainly from the diocese of Kilmore, were in attendance. Friends from England also made the journey. 

In his homily, Monsignor O Shea spoke movingly of Fr. Jim’s dedication to his flock, of his admirable work ethic and the outstanding regard in which he was held in the eight parishes in which he served. 

Fr. Mc Kiernan, in his homily, concentrated on the Fr. Jim known locally, a man, who like “the swallows” returned home annually, helped out at Sunday Masses when needed. He spoke affectionately about Fr. Jim’s love of family and love of work, about his bravery in the face of death, his consideration for others and his loyalty to the church. 

There was meaningful participation in the Funeral Liturgy by family members and the ceremony was greatly enhanced by the uplifting singing of Sr. Marie Cox. In a final tribute to Fr. Jim, the many priests in attendance joined in singing “Salve Regina” after he was laid to rest. The ceremony was a fitting commendation to a modest, quiet, much loved man.

Fr. Jim is survived by his sisters Rita McNulty (Tom), Nora Donohoe (Liam), his brothers Paddy (Mary) and Brian (Bernie), his sister- in-law Mary, nieces, nephews and their extended families. He was predeceased by his parents Nora and James, his sisters Anna Cassidy and Mary McCorry, his brother Frank and his nephew Enda. 

The funeral arrangements were carried out with great dignity and respect by McNulty and Carty undertakers.