Archbishop Eamon Martin pays tribute to the late Bishop Liam MacDaid RIP

17 Aug 2023

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.”
 
ENDS