Mass cancelled for first time in living memory


CHURCHES in Fermanagh have taken the decision to cancel Mass and normal church services.  The announcement that the Catholic Diocese of Clogher was suspending public Masses came toward the end of last week – the first time Masses have been cancelled in living memory. Bishop Larry Duffy said, “Having consulted with priests and lay people […]

Death of priest who devoted life to rural parish


THERE was widespread sorrow this week at the news of the death of Canon Patrick Lonergan, retired parish priest of Belleek and Garrison. Canon Lonergan died in the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen after a short illness. Described as ‘an iconic figure’  he was one of the main influences in the establishment of St […]

National role for former St Michael’s president


A FERMANAGH priest has been promoted to a senior role within the Catholic Church in Ireland.  It will be officially announced today (Wednesday) that Lisnaskea native Mgr Joseph McGuinness  has been appointed to the post of executive secretary of the Irish Episcopal Conference.  The new job will see Mgr McGuinness, who was Clogher diocesan secretary […]

Bishop celebrates 50 years in church


FORMER BISHOP of Clogher Liam MacDaid has celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood. On Sunday, Bishop Liam MacDaid, Bishop Emeritus of Clogher was joined by members of his family, classmates, friends, former colleagues and many other members of the local community to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ordination. A native […]

New bishop makes key appointments


THE newly ordained Bishop of Clogher has announced new appointments in his diocese. Bishop Larry Duffy, who was consecrated bishop just two weeks ago has revealed he has appointed a number of priests in the diocese to be his vicars-general.  These include Monsignor Joseph McGuinness, parish priest of Magheracloone and Monsignor Peter O’Reilly, parish priest […]

New bishop set to be ordained this Sunday


SUNDAY 10 February will see the ordination of the new Catholic bishop of Clogher, Mgr Larry Duffy.  Plans are in place for his ordination service which will be held at St Macartan’s Cathedral, Monaghan on Sunday 10 February at 3pm. The Monaghan man will fill the role which has been vacant for over two years […]

Fond memories as a young curate in Fermanagh


NEWLY APPOINTED Catholic bishop of Clogher Monsignor Larry Duffy admits he never imagined himself as ‘bishop material’ as he is still coming to terms with the news. The south Monaghan man, who has strong links to Fermanagh, admits that he was ‘shocked’ when he was elected but is looking forward to the challenge.  The appointment […]

Number of Masses to be reduced as parishes ‘double up’


  THE Number of Masses across Clogher diocese is to be reduced by around 15 per cent with some Catholic churches here to have Mass only on designated Sundays. In a pastoral letter diocesan administrator, Monsignor Joseph McGuinness outlined a reduction in the nummber of Masses which will come into effect from the weekend of […]