Funerals for two well-known local priests

Two respected local priests have been laid to rest. Communities gathered earlier this week to pay their final respects to Fr Pat McHugh and Canon Owen Devaney who devoted their lives serving the Church and their parishioners.

Fr Patrick (Pat) McHugh, Killesher, Co Fermanagh, and a native of Furnaceland, Swanlinbar, Cavan, died peacefully on Friday, June 26, in the care of the staff at Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Derry. He was aged 97 years.

On the same day, Rev Canon Owen Devaney, Parish Priest Emeritus of Mullahoran, died peacefully, in the loving care of staff at Sancta Maria Nursing Home, Kinnegad.

Fr McHugh was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Kilmore on June 20, 1982, by the late Bishop Francis J. MacKiernan at St Mogue's Church in Bawnboy.

His funeral cortège departed from the residence of his brother Ben's home on Sunday evening, arriving at St Mary's Church, Swanlinbar, where Requiem Mass was celebrated followed by burial in the family plot at Killaduff Cemetery.

Fr McHugh was predeceased by his parents, Patrick and Mary Ellen, and by his siblings Maura, Pauline, Brendan and Seán. He is survived by his brothers Ben and Gabriel, sister Ann, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and is fondly remembered by Bishop Martin Hayes, Bishop Emeritus Leo O'Reilly, his fellow priests, neighbours and many friends.

Meanwhile, the funeral took place on Monday of Rev Canon Owen Devaney, Parish Priest Emeritus of Mullahoran, who died peacefully on Friday, 26 June, in the loving care of staff at Sancta Maria Nursing Home, Kinnegad.

Originally from Esker, Killoe, Co Longford, Canon Devaney was well known throughout the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise. During his long ministry, he served as Parish Priest in Mullahoran, former Administrator in Rathowen and Streete, and was also a member of staff at St Mel's College, Longford.

He was predeceased by his parents John and Teresa, brother Pat and his infant sister Mary.

Canon Devaney was celebrated at St Mary's Church, Ennybegs, Killoe, on Monday afternoon, followed by burial in Aughaboy Cemetery.

He is mourned by his sister-in-law Eileen, nephews, nieces, grandnieces and grandnephew, his devoted housekeeper Bríd Dolan, his brother priests and religious of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, relatives, neighbours and many friends.