The funeral mass of the late Bishop of Clogher, the Most Rev. Liam MacDaid, heard how priests and parishes of the Clogher Diocese reacted with gratitude upon his appointment in 2010.
Bishop MacDaid (78) was Bishop of Clogher from 2010 until his retirement due to ill health in October, 2016.
He died whilst on holiday on Wednesday, August 16. His funeral took place on Saturday, August 26 at St. Macartan’s Cathedral, Monaghan.
The Chief Celebrant of the Funeral Mass was the Most Rev. Larry Duffy, Bishop of Clogher.
In his homily, Bishop Duffy spoke in depth about Bishop MacDaid’s calling to be a bishop, and his decision to serve.
Describing the reaction to Bishop MacDaid’s appointment in 2010, Bishop Duffy said: “Gratitude was the reaction of priests and people of the Diocese to his decision.
“We were blessed by his wisdom and deep faith; his ability to listen, his sense of humour and his spirit of compassion.”
Continuing, Bishop Duffy said: “Liam believed in forgiveness and in the possibility of redemption – that there is always a second chance.
“No doubt his experience as a teacher, and as a principal in St. Macartan’s College, was invaluable and helped him in his time as bishop.
“So also did his pastoral experience in Fivemiletown and in Tyholland.”
Speaking of Bishop MacDaid’s interests outside of his clerical life, Bishop Duffy said: “Liam was a proud Donegal man.
“A tight defender for both club, county and college, it is said that you needed passport clearance to get by him!
“He loved to travel abroad, particularly with The Willow Wheelers Cycling Club, founded by his brother, Christopher.
“Liam was happy to support their charitable work, which brought him to many places in the Third World, where he saw at first hand the possibilities that charity and the sharing of resources can have for people.
“Liam valued greatly the deep and friendly relationships he had with many families.
“I know that today he would want me to thank them for this friendship – and especially to thank those who supported him in recent times, Margaret and Marie and Anne Tuffy and family, as well as all the nursing and medical staff who cared for him.”
The Deacon for the service was Rev. Martin Donnelly, Enniskillen, and the Masters of Ceremonies was Canon Paddy McGinn and Fr. Leo Creelman, who were assisted by seminarian, Stephen Sherry.
Attendees at the funeral included the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor; the Archbishop of Armagh and President of the Irish Episcopal Conference, the Most Rev. Eamon Martin; the Most Rev. Joseph Duffy, Bishop Emeritus of Clogher; and a number of other bishops as well as priests, deacons, and the religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Clogher and from further afield.
Also in attendance were the Most Rev. John McDowell, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh (and former Bishop of Clogher), and The Very Rev. Kenneth Hall, Dean of Clogher. Bishop MacDaid was laid to rest in a grave in the cathedral grounds beside two of his predecessors, Bishop Eugene O’Callaghan, and Bishop Patrick Mulligan
Bishop Liam is survived and mourned by his brother, Christopher, relatives and close friends.
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