The unique contribution and lasting legacy of Bishop Liam MacDaid to St Macartan’s College, Monaghan - as a student and prefect, as a teacher and counsellor, as a principal and administrator and, finally, as patron – was honoured at a special dinner and presentation at the college.

It was an opportunity for all those present to remember, to honour and to give thanks.

All of the speakers lauded Bishop McDaid’s personal contribution, his dedication to the college, its students and teachers, as well as his great personal qualities – his pastoral care and gentle wisdom.

He was presented with a specially crafted piece of coloured glass which reflects the life of the college, its continuing traditions and its place in the life of the diocese of Clogher.

A new perpetual Bishop MacDaid annual award at the college was also announced.

The large attendance included Bishop MacDaid’s former teaching colleagues, surviving members of his class group, members of the current teaching staff led by principal Raymond McHugh and Deputy Principal Marion McDonald, past and present members of the board of management as well as family members, and friends from parish and diocesan life.

The attendance also included the Diocesan Administrator of Clogher Diocese Mgr Joseph McGuinness, the Bishop-Emeritus of Clogher, Bishop Joseph Duffy and Bishop Noel Treanor, Bishop of Down and Connor.

Bishop MacDaid, whose retirement as Bishop of Clogher was accepted by Pope Francis on October 1 last, is a native of Bundoran.

Following his secondary education at St Macartan’s College he entered St Patrick’s College, Maynooth where he was ordained to the priesthood in 1969.

Following completion of the Higher Diploma in Education, he joined the teaching staff of St Macartan’s in 1970. He subsequently qualified as a guidance counsellor before becoming principal and President of the college in 1981.

During his term as principal he oversaw an unprecedented growth of the college in terms of student and teacher numbers and the development of the range of subjects offered. All of this was accompanied by the necessary addition of a new school building during the 1980s.

His term as principal and president ended in 1989 but he maintained his close links with the college over the years when as Diocesan Secretary he was secretary of the college trustee board and also a member of the board of management.

Then in 2010 as the new Bishop of Clogher he became patron of St Macartan’s.

In addition, Bishop MacDaid has a distinguished GAA record at club and inter-county level.

His contribution to the college was reflected on by all of the event’s speakers.

Photos: Peadar McMahon.