Glowing tributes paid on passing of Bishop Emeritus Liam MacDaid

The Bishop of Clogher, Bishop Larry Duffy, has led the ecclesiastical tributes to his predecessor, the late Bishop Liam S. MacDaid, Bishop-Emeritus of Clogher, describing him as a "compassionate pastor who brought the love of Christ to all the people he ministered to."

Bishop Liam, who was a native of Bundoran and a well known gaelic footballer in his younger days, died suddenly on Tuesday while on holiday in France. 

Bishop Duffy recalled: "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."  

Church of Ireland, Archbishop John McDowell, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland has also paid his own tribute to the late Bishop MacDaid, who was his former counterpart as Bishop of Clogher: 

"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. 

Archbishop McDowell was previously the Church of Ireland’s Bishop of Clogher from 2011 to 2022, when he was translated as Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. 

Retired in 2016

Bishop MacDaid, aged 78, was Bishop of Clogher from 2010 until his retirement due to ill-health in October 2016. A native of Bundoran, 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.

Sad passing of Bundoran native, Bishop-Emeritus of Clogher Liam MacDaid

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. 

Bishop Liam is predeceased by his parents William and Mary Ellen and will be sadly missed by his brother Christopher, Bishop Larry Duffy, Bishop Emeritus Joseph Duffy and the Priests, Deacons, Religious and the people of Clogher Diocese.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.