Funeral hears late Bishop Liam McDaid was a 'true Donegal man who valued friendship'

The late Bishop Liam McDaid was a proud Donegal man, a tight defender for club, county and college and it was said you needed passport clearance to get by him, those who gathered for his Funeral Mass were told today.  

The Chief Celebrant of the Mass was Bishop Larry Duffy, Bishop of Clogher who also delivered the Homily.  

Crowds attended the Funeral Mass of the Bishop Emeritus of Clogher, Bishop Liam McDaid which was held in Saint Macarthan’s Cathedral, in Monaghan.

Bishop Liam McDaid was Bishop of Clogher from 2010 until his retirement due to ill-health in October 2016.  He died while on holiday in France, in August 15, 2023.  

A native of Bundoran, he was aged 78.  Ordained to the priesthood in June 1969 at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, he was for many years a member of the staff at Saint Macartan’s College, Monaghan, and served as its President from 1981 until 1989. He also served as Diocesan Secretary and Diocesan Chancellor prior to his appointment as Bishop of Clogher in July 2010.

Bishop Larry Duffy told all those gathered that the people and priests of Clogher were grateful to have the late Bishop Liam McDaid in their parish. 

He said: “Liam was to serve as Bishop of Clogher for the following six years.  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. 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 Saint Macartan’s College was invaluable and helped him in his time as Bishop.”

The Bishop also recalled that Tuesday last was the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, and the Gospel passage was the Annunciation.

“As I read it my thoughts were about Bishop Liam and his call to be Bishop thirteen years ago. Like Mary, the Angel said to him “rejoice so highly favoured one the Lord is with you. I have important news, The Lord has chosen you to be Bishop of Clogher.”

The Bishop said that on that occasion the late Bishop McDaid thought that others may have been more suitable than him for the position and his health also concerned him. 

“But the Angel said, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the most high will cover you with his shadow.’  In response, Liam said, ‘I am a servant of the Lord let what you have said be done onto me.”’ 

The Bishop said that Bishop McDaid loved to travel abroad particularly with The Willow Wheelers Cycling Club, which was founded by his brother Christopher.  He 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 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,” Bishop Duffy told those gathered in the Cathedral. 

Christopher McDaid read the first reading, during the Funeral Mass, and friend of the late Bishop, Ann Tuffy read the second reading.

The gifts of bread and wine for the celebration of the Eucharist will be brought to the altar by Marie McQuillan and Margaret McCarra, carers for Bishop Liam. 

The gifts of bread and wine for the celebration of the Eucharist were brought to the altar by Marie McQuillan and Margaret McCarra, carers for Bishop Liam.

The Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, His Excellency Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor; the Archbishop of Armagh and President of the Irish Episcopal Conference, Archbishop Eamon Martin; Bishop Joseph Duffy, Bishop Emeritus of Clogher, other bishops as well as priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Clogher and from further afield were all in attendance. The Deacon, Rev Martin Donnelly, Enniskillen, assisted at the altar and the graveside. 

The Masters of Ceremonies was Canon Paddy McGinn Adm and Father Leo Creelman, Monaghan and Rackwallace parish, assisted by seminarian Stephen Sherry. Also in attendance was the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh, and former Bishop of Clogher, Archbishop John McDowell and Dean Kenny Hall, Enniskillen.

Bishop Liam is survived by his brother Christopher, relatives and close friends, including a number of very special people who gave him great care in his illness.

Bishop Larry Duffy led the Rites of Final Commendation and Committal.  Monsignor Joseph McGuinness, was the cantor during the Rites. The liturgy concluded with the singing of the ancient anthem to Our Lady, Salve Regina at the graveside.

Bishop McDaid was laid to rest in a grave in the Cathedral grounds beside two of his predecessors, Bishop Eugene O’Callaghan (Bishop 1943-1969), and Bishop Patrick Mulligan (1970-1979).  Four other Bishops are interred in the Crypt under the Cathedral – Bishop Charles McNally (1844-64), Bishop James Donnelly (1865-93), Richard Owens (1894-1909) and Patrick McKenna (1909-1942).