Northern Ireland

Priest remembered as 'one of the giants of the diocese' of Clogher

Monsignor Sean Cahill, retired parish priest of Enniskillen and former vicar general f the Diocese of Clogher
Monsignor Sean Cahill, retired parish priest of Enniskillen and former vicar general f the Diocese of Clogher Monsignor Sean Cahill, retired parish priest of Enniskillen and former vicar general f the Diocese of Clogher

A priest described as "one of the giants of the diocese" of Clogher has died aged 86.

Monsignor Sean Cahill, a former parish priest of Enniskillen and vicar general of the Clogher diocese, died on Monday

His funeral will take place on Friday - on the 60th anniversary of his ordination.

Appointed parish priest of St Michael’s, Enniskillen in 1981, he remained there until his retirement in 2007.

He served the communities of Lisbellaw and Maguiresbridge and Enniskillen, particularly during the difficult days of the Troubles, including the Remembrance Day bombing in the Co Fermanagh town in 1987.

Originally from Monaghan town, he taught at St Macartan’s College, Monaghan, where he later served as president.

He became a monsignor in 1981 and served as vicar general of the diocese from then to 2010.

Following his retirement as parish priest, he ministered to the people of Maguiresbridge until 2018 and also served as diocesan director of vocations.

Bishop of Clogher Larry Duffy said the entire diocese had "lost a great servant, a priest who had given that service to the Lord through his priesthood and through leadership in both education and parish life".

"Monsignor Sean was one of the giants of the diocese in his time," he said.

"Throughout his 60 years of priestly ministry he gave generous service to God’s people through teaching, education leadership, parish ministry and assistance at diocesan level."

He added: "His faith-filled compassion and leadership, together with his outgoing and gentle personality, touched the hearts of many people, regardless of religious background."

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Michael’s Church, Enniskillen at noon on Friday, followed by burial in the Convent Cemetery.

Mgr Cahill is survived by his brothers Hugh and Owen and family circle.