The family of the late former Bishop of Clogher, the Rt. Revd Brian Hannon, has paid tribute to a "loving and generous" husband and father who "always practised what he preached".

Rt. Revd Brian Hannon (85), late of Drumconnis, Ballinamallard, passed away at the Graan Abbey Care Home, Enniskillen on Monday, January 10, 2022.

Paying tribute to his late father on behalf of the Hannon family, Neil Hannon said: "May I say how profoundly grateful we are for everyone’s kind expressions of sympathy since dad passed away on Monday.

"Even after so many years of retirement, and his subsequent long and debilitating illness, the esteem in which he is held appears wholly undiminished.

the Bishop of Clogher, Rt. Rev. Brian Hannon and his wife Maeve, after they were presented with gifts to mark his retiremant, included are, from left, Chancellor Victor McKeon, Precentor Brian Courtney, Mrs June McKeon, Mrs Valerie Courtney, Archdeacon

the Bishop of Clogher, Rt. Rev. Brian Hannon and his wife Maeve, after they were presented with gifts to mark his retiremant, included are, from left, Chancellor Victor McKeon, Precentor Brian Courtney, Mrs June McKeon, Mrs Valerie Courtney, Archdeacon

“Dad practised what he preached. Always had time for people. Always looked for ways to unite the community rather than divide it," said Neil, commenting that the genuine warmth and fondness with which his father is remembered is a "wonderful testament to this".

"And such a comfort to us right now. It makes this time a little less sad, a little more celebratory. We’re very grateful," he added.

SEE ALSO: Bishop Brian Hannon's funeral told he 'lived the faith he preached'

“As a family we will miss dad so much. He was a loving and generous husband. My parent’s marriage was a partnership that withstood the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune with grace, courage and dedication. And Desmond, Brendan and I couldn’t have wished for a better father. Intelligent, patient, encouraging, interested, fun.

"We will be trying to live up to his example for as long as we live,” said Neil.

Bishop of Clogher, The Right Rev. Brian Hannon being ordaned at Clogher in 1986. © picture by John McVitty - 07771987378 ©

Bishop of Clogher, The Right Rev. Brian Hannon being ordaned at Clogher in 1986. © picture by John McVitty - 07771987378 ©

The funeral service of the former Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd Brian Hannon takes place today (Thursday) at 1pm in St. Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen, where he had served as Rector and Dean before becoming Bishop.

The service which will have restricted numbers of people attending due to social distancing regulations and will be livestreamed on the Enniskillen Cathedral website; www.enniskillencathedral.com

The Dean of Clogher, the Very Revd Kenneth Hall, will welcome everyone to the funeral service which will be led by Archdeacon Brian Harper who is also rector of Magheracross (Ballinamallard). He will be assisted by the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, the Most Revd John McDowell; the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr. Michael Jackson and the Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd Dr. Ian Ellis.

The address will be given by Right Revd The Lord Eames OM, former Archbishop of Armagh. The Roman Catholic Bishop of Clogher will be represented by Monsignor Peter O’Reilly.

The service will be followed by a private family burial in Craghan Cemetery, Ballinamallard with the cortege passing the late Bishop’s home and along Main Street, Ballinamallard.

A much loved husband of Maeve, and a devoted father of Desmond (Helen), Brendan (Frances) and Neil (Catherine), also a very dear brother of David, Michael and the late Leslie, Peter and Ruth and a very special grandfather of all his grandchildren, Rt. Revd Hannon is lovingly remembered by his family and all the family circle.