Community tributes to late Bishop Brian Hannon

The Rt. Revd Hannon was well-known and widely respected in the Fermanagh and Tyrone areas, and is the father of Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy.

Bishop of Clogher, The Right Revd Brian Hannon (second left), with his wife Maeve, (right), with friends Sam and Marie Morrow. © picture by John McVitty - 07771987378 ©

Close friend

Sam Morrow, a close friend of the late Rt. Revd Hannon, paid tribute saying: “I have known Brian Hannon since he came to Enniskillen in 1982.

“I was one of the parochial nominators from the Cathedral in his appointment to the parish here in Enniskillen.”

“He has been a Rector, a Bishop and a very good friend since then.”

Talking about their friendship, he continued: “In fact he officiated at my son’s wedding in Zimbabwe in 2000. At that time we spent a very pleasant three week holiday with he and his wife Maeve in that country.”

“When his health failed and he had to go into the retirement home, I had the privilege of taking him once a week, with Archdeacon Pringle for a walk in the countryside, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

“He was really good company and took an interest in everything, it was great,” Mr. Morrow told this newspaper.

Fellow clergymen from across the district also paid tribute.

‘Immense contribution’

Bishop Larry Duffy of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Clogher said: “Although I never knew Bishop Brian personally, I am very much aware of the immense contribution he made to the Christian life on this diocese.

“Bishop Brian laid the groundwork for much that has been built upon since then in terms of inter-Church dialogue, witness and friendship.

“I extend to his wife Maeve, to his sons and other family members and to the wider Church of Ireland community here in the Diocese of Clogher my deepest sympathy and the assurance of my prayers.”

The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, the Most Revd. John McDowell, and the Bishop of Clogher, the Rt. Revd. Dr. Ian Ellis paid tribute to the late Rt. Revd. Hannon.

Archbishop McDowell remarked: “Brian was deeply loved by so many people in the Diocese of Clogher who knew him well, and just as deeply respected right across the Church which he served with diligence, with good humour, and with dignity. His whole character and outlook on life were moulded by a lifelong discipleship of Jesus Christ, so any words he spoke in public carried the weight of his own integrity.”

Bishop of Clogher, The Right Rev. Brian Hannon with Dean Thomas Moore and Archdeacon Cecil Pringle at the Synod. © picture by John McVitty.

‘Much loved’

Bishop Ian Ellis commented: “Bishop Brian was much loved and admired for his spiritual and pastoral support for his people, especially in providing leadership through days of disruption and violence in Northern Ireland.

“We thank God for everything Bishop Brian shared with the clergy and people of this diocese: for his kind and gracious manner, his caring and compassionate ministry, his musical talents, and wise and gentle leadership.

“As a diocese we hold in our prayers his dear wife Maeve, and sons, Desmond, Brendan and Neil, in their time of grief and loss.”

Commenting that she was really saddened to hear of Bishop Hannon’s passing, DUP MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Deborah Erskine said: “I fondly remember him during his time as Bishop of Clogher. He had a quick wit, as well as a kind and gracious manner. My family remember the kindness he showed to us when we moved to Fermanagh, during his time as Bishop. He cared deeply about the Diocese of Clogher and the people that live here.

“My condolences go to his wife and three sons during this sad time.”