Former Bishop of Derry and Raphoe Ken Good has paid tribute to his late colleague Séamus Hegarty following his death yesterday (Fri) aged 79.
Dr Hegarty died at Letterkenny University Hospital, where he was receiving treatment, according to the Catholic Communications Office.
He led the diocese of Derry from 1994 to 2011, when he retired due to an “irreversible and progressive” illness.
Hegarty, who was from Kilcar, had been Bishop of Derry from 1994 to 2011 having served as Bishop of Raphoe.
“It was with great sadness that I learned today of the death of my fellow former Bishop, Dr Séamus Hegarty, Bishop Emeritus of Derry and former Bishop of Raphoe,” Rt Good said.
“I got to know Bishop Séamus after I became Bishop of Derry and Raphoe in 2002. We were both very conscious of the need at that time to build on the towering work of our predecessors, Dr Edward Daly and Dr James Mehaffey, who had set an outstanding example of reconciliation and in the process forged a wonderful friendship.
“Bishop Hegarty was a man of great learning. A former teacher, like myself, he led his two dioceses, Raphoe and Derry, at a very difficult time in the history of the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland. I, more than most, am aware of how challenging church leadership can be – at whatever point in history and whatever one’s denomination.
“Bishop Hegarty had a great love for both dioceses and a particular grá for his home county, Donegal, and for the Irish language.
“I offer my deepest condolences and prayers to his family circle and to all those in our community who mourn his passing.”
