It is with profound regret that the Diocese of Clogher announces the death of Bishop Liam S. MacDaid, Bishop-Emeritus of Clogher. Bishop Liam died suddenly on Tuesday, 15 August 2023, while on holiday in France.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
Bishop MacDaid, aged 78, was Bishop of Clogher from 2010 until his retirement due to ill-health in October 2016. A native of Bundoran, Co Donegal, he was ordained a Priest in 1969. He was a member of the teaching staff of St Macartan’s College, Monaghan for many years before serving as President of the College between 1981 and 1989. He later served in the Parishes of Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone and Tyholland, Co Monaghan. In addition, he was Diocesan Secretary and Chancellor from 1993 until his appointment as Bishop in 2010.
The Bishop of Clogher, Bishop Larry Duffy, has paid tribute to the late Bishop MacDaid, describing him as a ‘compassionate pastor who brought the love of Christ to all the people he ministered to.’ Bishop Duffy went on: ‘Throughout his 54 years of priestly ministry, whether in an educational setting, in a parish or as Bishop of Clogher, Bishop Liam saw his mission as one of proclaiming Christ. His episcopal motto ‘Per Christum Dominum Nostrum’ – through Christ our Lord – captured well his faith in Jesus and the living out of that faith in word and action. His devoted service to the Diocese will be long remembered for its genuine commitment to God’s people and his simplicity of approach. May Christ the Good Shepherd now bring Bishop Liam to the fullness of life in the Kingdom of Heaven.’
TRIBUTES PAID TO BISHOP MacDAID
 The following statement has been issued by Archbishop Eamon Martin as President of Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference following the death of Bishop Liam MacDaid RIP, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Clogher.Archbishop Martin said, “I was sad to learn of the death of Bishop Liam MacDaid, the retired bishop of Clogher who died suddenly on Tuesday of this week. I got to know Liam as a brother bishop and worked closely with him during his years as a member of the Irish Bishop’s Conference. I always felt that as a bishop, Liam was a gentle shepherd with a wealth of wisdom and pastoral experience and motivated by a warm concern for others. In essence, his priestly and episcopal ministry were rooted in generous service of the People of God. He was committed to leading the faithful in a spirit of collaboration, involving consultation and listening, and the establishment of support groups involving both priests and laity. “As Bishop of Clogher from 2010 to 2016, Bishop Liam became a valued member of the Bishops’ Conference. During this time he made insightful contributions to our discussions and gave s significant contribution to the councils and agencies of the Bishops’ Conference: as Vice-President of Accord, the Catholic Marriage Care Service; as a member of the Council for Marriage and the Family; and, to the religious publishing agency, Veritas. He was also a strong advocate for greater road safety for young people, especially in the border region. “One of the highlights of Bishop Liam’s episcopal ministry was his hosting, in June 2012, of the Papal Legate, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, on the pilgrimage island of Lough Derg as part of the opening of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Ireland. This prayerful and moving occasion included the unveiling of ‘healing stone’ dedicated to those who have suffered abuse within the Church and inscribed with a prayer for healing, composed by abuse survivors themselves. “Today I will remember in my prayers the Bishop Liam’s brother and extended family members, as well as the people, priests and religious in our neighbouring Diocese of Clogher. I invite you to pray for the happy repose of Bishop Liam’s soul. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
It was with great sadness that I learnt of the death of Bishop Liam MacDaid, formerly Roman Catholic Bishop of Clogher. My own service as the Church of Ireland Bishop of Clogher coincided almost exactly with that of Bishop Liam’s episcopal service. The big difference was that Liam was a native of the diocese, had been a pupil at the Diocesan College in Monaghan, and had served his entire priestly ministry in Clogher. He knew everything, I knew very little. So, it was my good fortune that Bishop Liam was prepared to share the riches of his knowledge and experience with me as we worked together in many ways. Anyone who knew him will attest to his quiet wisdom and unobtrusive manner; the word in season was his métier. Bishop Liam had been a robust junior footballer in his youth and introduced me to the breathless speed and skill of Gaelic games, but only as a spectator. Our annual outings to Clones in the company of Bishop Joseph Duffy and Monsignor Shane McCaughey for the Senior Football Final, followed by the match analysis over a good meal are days which I will never forget. Warm friendship, wonderful company; much happiness. Nor will I ever forget the depth and sincerity of his huge pastoral heart for those in his care, or indeed of anyone who came within his orbit. Always practical and to the point, where he advised he also helped – in many ways a model of the sort of bishop which Pope Francis values – as he said, someone who had the smell of his sheep about him. A true friend with a deep soul. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. +John
News of his death has come as a great shock especially to his family and we hold them and his close friends and colleagues in our prayers at this time. May they know the consolation of the loving care of the Good Shepherd at this difficult time. +Ian |
