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Retired Bishop of Galway dies


The former Bishop of Galway, Bishop James McLoughlin, died on Friday 25th November at The Galway Clinic, Galway City. He was 76 years of age. Upon hearing of his death, the Bishop of Galway, Most Rev Martin Drennan said: "I am deeply saddened and shocked by the news of the death last night of Bishop James McLoughlin, my predecessor as Bishop of Galway and great friend. Since becoming Bishop of this diocese last July, I have enjoyed and greatly valued his wisdom and support. "Deeply loved and admired by the people and priests of Galway city and diocese, Bishop James will be greatly missed by all, especially for his qualities of prayerfulness, love of the Church, devotion to Our Lady, his serenity, his humility and good humour. The clergy of the diocese will particularly miss him for his supportive, stabilising presence. "Bishop James celebrated his Golden Jubilee as a priest last year. Many people in Galway have fond memories of personal experiences of meeting him in his pastoral ministries over that time. "I extend my sincerest sympathies to his brothers and sister-in-law, his nieces and nephew, his family and friends." Bishop McLoughlin is survived by his two brothers Fr Aidan McLoughlin, O. Carm and Mr Dermot Mc McLoughlin (Galway); and by his sister-in-law Joan McLoughlin, nieces and a nephew. Bishop James McLoughlin was born on 9th April 1929 at Cross Street, where his parents the late Patrick McLoughlin and Winifred McLoughlin (nee McDermott) ran a small wholesale grocery business. He is the eldest of three brothers. He received his primary education at the Patrician Brothers school in Nuns' Island and from there he went to St Mary's College, Galway. He studied for the priesthood at Maynooth and was ordained on 20th June 1954. From 1954 he taught at St Mary's College, Galway where he developed a keen interest in basketball and amateur dramatics. He was appointed Diocesan Secretary in September 1965. He served in this post under Bishop Michael Browne and Bishop Eamonn Casey until his appointment as Parish Priest of the Cathedral Parish in 1983. His appointment as Bishop of Galway was announced by Pope John Paul II on Wednesday, 10th February 1993 and he was ordained Bishop on Sunday 28th March 1993. Bishop McLoughlin retired as Bishop of Galway and Apostolic Administrator of Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora on Sunday 3rd July 2005. In a tribute, Sr Sean Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland said: "I have heard, with great sorrow, the news of the death of Bishop James McLoughlin, retired Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora. "Bishop McLoughlin was a gentle and humble man who radiated great joy, friendship and happiness to all whom he met. "For me the biblical image of a "good and faithful servant" found outstanding expression in his personality and in his life. For twelve years he served the people of Galway as shepherd and teacher with wonderful dedication and devotion. For many years previously he had been an excellent Diocesan Secretary. His love for his God and for people shone through all he said and did. "I offer my sympathy to his brothers Fr Aidan McLoughlin, O. Carm and Mr Dermot Mc McLoughlin, to his sister-in-law Joan McLoughlin and to his nieces and nephew." Source: Irish Catholic Communications Office

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