Two well-known Cavan priests pass away

Rev. Canon Owen Devaney who served in Mullahoran and Fr Patrick McHugh from Swanlibar have passed away this weekend

Published: Sun 28 Jun 2026, 9:57 AM

Last updated: Sun 28 Jun 2026, 10:19 AM

TWO priests much-beloved in Cavan have passed away.

Rev. Canon Owen Devaney, who was parish priest in Mullahoran for some years passed away 'peacefully' in Kinnegad yesterday (Friday).

And, also on Friday, Fr Patrick Mc Hugh, from Furnaceland, Swanlibar, died.

Rev. Canon Owen Devaney who was much-loved during his time in Mullahoran

Fr Devaney of Esker, Killoe, Co. Longford was Parish Priest Emeritus of Mullahoran, former Administrator in Rathowen & Streete and former member of the teaching staff at St. Mels College, Longford.

Predeceased by his parents John and Teresa, brother Pat, and sister Mary who died in infancy.

In a bereavement notice on RIP.ie, it says Fr. Owen will be lovingly remembered by his family, sister-in-law Eileen, nephews John, Paul, Eugene, Colm, Liam and Noel, nieces Frances, Aileen and Niamh, his grandnieces and grandnephew, his dedicated housekeeper Bríd Dolan, his brother priests and religious of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, relatives and friends.

He will repose in Connell's Funeral Home, Church St, Longford (N39 KN66) on Sunday, June 28, from 1pm to 4:30pm followed by prayers, with removal to St. Mary’s Church, Ennybegs (N39 AH01) arriving at 6.30pm. Requiem Mass on Monday 29th June at 1pm. Interment afterwards in Aughaboy Cemetery.

Funeral Mass can be viewed online at www.churchservices.tv/killoe.

Fr Patrick McHugh from Furnaceland, Swanlibar

Before his death, Fr. Patrick McHugh from Swanlibar was priest-in-residence in Killesher just over the border from his home in Fermanagh.

Born 13 March 1929, son of the late Patrick and Mary Ellen McHugh (nèe Bannon), Furnaceland, Swanlinbar, Co. Cavan.

Ordained to the Priesthood for service in the Diocese of Kilmore by the late Bishop Francis J. MacKiernan on Sunday, June 20, 1982 in St Mogue’s Church, Bawnboy, Co. Cavan.

Fr McHugh passed away 'peacefully' in Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, and will be buried in the family plot at Killaduff Cemetery in Swanlibar following requiem mass in St Mary's Church on Monday.

Removal of remains from his Brother Ben's residence on Sunday at 6.45pm to arrive to Saint Mary's Church Swanlinbar at 7pm

Fr Patrick McHugh's funeral mass is arranged for Monday at 12noon.

House strictly private please.