Tributes shared following the passing of Fr Jim Moore

The Diocese of Clogher mourns the death of Fr Jim Moore, Parish Priest of Clones and Killeevan-Currin- Aghabog, who passed away early this morning.

Aged 59, Fr Jim died in hospital in Belfast following a lengthy illness "which he bore with great dignity".

A native of Monaghan town, Fr Jim studied for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth and at St Patrick’s College, Thurles and was ordained by Bishop Joseph Duffy on June 18, 1995.

Following his ordination he was appointed CC in Irvinestown (Devenish) parish, Co Fermanagh where he served for two years. He went on to serve in Enniskillen and Fintona (Donacavey) parish, before taking up his role of PP to Clones and also Killeevan-Currin-Aghabog in September 2020.

The Bishop of Clogher, Bishop Larry Duffy, said that he was "deeply sorry" to learn of Fr Moore’s death.

"Fr Jim was a priest who gave great service wherever he was sent to minister. Once you got to know Jim you knew you were in the presence of a man of great Christian faith, outstanding ability, superb wit and someone with a great capacity for pastoral care of people."

"He often went well beyond the call of duty in caring for his parishioners and fellow priests," Bishop Duffy said.

"His death, at such a young age, is a big blow to his family and to us as a diocese and, especially, to the priests and lay faithful who journeyed with him in ministry".

Sympathies were extended to his mother Winnie, to his siblings Christopher, Barry, Ethena, Marina and Niamh and his wider family, as well as to his brother priests and many friends.

Meanwhile, The Parish of Clones page announced "with great sadness" the passing of Fr. Jim Moore.

"Fr. Gabriel, along with the entire Parish Community extend their condolences to his family and friends" the online post wrote.

Tributes also came from the Gone But Not Forgotten Bikers’ Memorial Group, who expressed their "sadness" at the death of a "great friend of the biker's memorial".

"Fr. Jim was a long-time supporter of the memorial and he looked forward to officiating every year," they wrote online.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam".

Revd Ian Cruickshank, who retired on May 1 this year, also shared his "sincere condolences" to the family and friends of Fr Moore.

"I have only been involved with the service in Clones over the past few years," he said, describing how he was "welcomed" into the services by Fr Moore "from the first moment".

"A genuine gentleman and humble servant of Christ. R.I.P."

Funeral Arrangements

Fr. Jim will repose at his home, 11 Killylacky Road, Magheraveely, BT92 6HW, tomorrow (Wednesday) from 3pm until 8pm for family and close friends.

Removal from his home on Thursday at 2.45pm to repose in Sacred Heart Church, Clones, until Vigil Prayers at 7.30pm.

Funeral Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Clones, on Friday (September 4), at 12 noon, followed by burial in St. Macartan’s Cemetery, Aghadrumsee, BT92 7NQ.Fr.

Fr Jim’s Funeral Mass can be viewed live via the Clones Parish webcam here.