Late Mgr Dick Mohan put his 'heart and soul' into his work, recalls Bishop

Bishop Larry Duffy told mourners gathered in Clones for the Funeral Mass of Monsignor Dick Mohan that his death had brought shock and sadness to all who knew him. 

“Many of you were here last Friday when he celebrated the funeral of Michael Rooney,” said Bishop Duffy.

“It is hard to take in that within hours, we were hearing of his death. 

“One can truly say he served all the hours God gave him. Today we give thanks for the service and witness of his life. We gather to surround Fr Dick with our love, and to accompany him in prayers on his journey to God.”

The Bishop reminded mourners that Mgr Mohan was ordained a priest with Fr Peter Corrigan in St Joseph’s Carrickmacross on June 21, 1970 by Bishop Patrick Mulligan.

“Important and all as that day may have been, it was not the beginning of Fr Dick’s faith story,” continued Bishop Duffy.

“The story of his priesthood began at home and in the local Coonian community where faith and priesthood were valued. 

“The John the Baptist figure in his life may have been a neighbour or teacher in Coonian or St Michael’s College, Enniskillen. No doubt a positive influence would have been his priest relation in Armagh Diocese, Fr Christopher Mohan, and the prayers of his great granduncle, Bishop Richard Owens.” 

After his ordination in 1970, Fr Dick spent the next year studying Catechesis in Mt Oliver, Dundalk, followed by two years in St Macartan’s, Monaghan.

From 1973 to 1985 he was Religious Education Adviser.

“Vatican II has brought about change. Fr Dick put his heart and soul into seeing teachers and pupils had the latest books and that children were well prepared for the sacraments,” recalled Bishop Duffy. 

“He was fondly remembered by teachers and pupils. The pupils particularly took a great interest in his Escort RS200 car.”

 From 1985 he spent five years in Monaghan Parish.

In 1990 he went as prior to Lough Derg in succession to Mgr McSorley. Bishop Duffy said: “Now an experienced priest of the Diocese, he brought all his wisdom and knowledge to the task. 

“He introduced one day retreats in 1992 – initially intended for those unable to take part in the Three Day Retreat, it became very popular and successful. He opened new buildings for retreat groups.

“While he demanded a high standard from all employed there, he gave workers space to develop their talent. 

“Lough Derg was blessed to have Fr Dick as Prior for 23 years. He never forgot the importance of pilgrimage and hope in our lives, and this is what made Lough Derg so special to him.” 

In 2013, he moved to the Parish of Clones and served there until his death on Sunday last.

Bishop Duffy said: “The sentiment of the first reading seems apt for a generous and faithful servant of God - ‘Because you are precious in my eyes and I love you…Do not be afraid, for I am with you.’

“May he rest in peace.”

Following Mass, Mgr Mohan was laid to rest in his native Coonian, County Fermanagh.