Fr Owen McEneaney is new prior for Lough Derg
THE Bishop of Clogher, Most Reverend Liam McDaid has announced the appointment of Monsignor Richard Mohan as parish priest of Clones.
This means that Monsignor Mohan will be stepping down as Prior of Lough Derg where he has ministered for the past 23 years. In that time, he has ‘doubled up’ as parish priest of Pettigo.
The new Prior is Monaghan-born, Very Rev Owen McEneaney.
He worked as a member of the priest team on Lough Derg from 1991 until 1998. He is presently Administrator of the Cathedral parish in Monaghan.
Monsignor Mohan, who is a native of Coonian, said Lough Derg had been ‘a large part of my life for 40 years’.
He said that while he was sad to be leaving Pettigo and Lough Derg, he was happy that his place was being taken by ‘a very competent, dedicated and conscientious priest’.
“I know he will be a good leader and, along with a very experienced team, he will ensure the continuance of the good work that has been going on at Lough Derg for centuries.”
He said he was very grateful to the people of Pettigo for their support over the years, and to the many teams within the parish who have helped him carry out my duties as parish priest.
As to his new mission, he said he was happy to be going to a parish with which he has strong connections.
“It is a neighbouring parish to my native Aghavea, (Brookboro & Coonian). In fact, when I started school in 1949, I went to Mullinvaum Primary School in the parish of Clones.”
Bishop MacDaid said he wanted to join with a great number of pilgrims, and supporters of Lough Derg pilgrimages in their tributes and expressions of gratitude to Monsignor Mohan.”
He added: “For over 20 years, he has become the face of Lough Derg, carefully preserving the traditions of the past while integrating modern facilities.
“He has developed these facilities to a high level of efficiency, enriched liturgical and sacramental practice, and increased the involvement of laity, youth and external facilitators.”
And, he had no doubt that Fr McEneaney would bring a wealth of administrative and pastoral experience to his new role.
The double appointments are part of the Clogher Diocesan changes which take effect from Sunday 1st September next.
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