Mayor pays tribute to Bishop Frances Lagan

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney, has expressed his sadness at the passing of former Auxilary Bishop of Derry, Bishop Frances Lagan.

Bishop Lagan served as the Auxiliary Bishop for the diocese from 1988 until 2000 and held a variety of positions for more than sixty years including a number teaching roles in Derry and Inishowen, a curate position in Strabane and an administrator role in St Mary’s Parish in Creggan.

“It was with deep regret that I learnt of the passing of Bishop Lagan this morning,” he said. “He was a hugely popular figure locally who dedicated his life to serving the parishioners of this City and District in a wide variety of roles.

“In his role as auxiliary bishop to Bishop Daly and Bishop Hegarty he met the pastoral and administrative needs of the diocese with distinction and conferred the sacrament of confirmation to thousands of local young people.

“He will be particularly missed in Strabane where he lived for almost the entirety of his ministry.

“I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Bishop Lagan’s family at this difficult time, may he rest in peace.” 

Bishop Lagan was born in Maghera in 1934 and was ordained a priest in June 1960 at Maynooth College.

His ministry in the diocese began with teaching appointments at St Columb’s College, Derry (1961-1963), before spells at Carndonagh College (1963-1973), and Carndonagh Community School (1973-1977).

He served as a curate in Strabane (1977-1982) and as an Administrator at St. Mary’s Parish, Creggan, in Derry (1982-1988).

He was appointed auxiliary bishop for the diocese in February 1988.

His resignation was accepted in May 2010.

Funeral arrangements are not yet finalised and will comply with the current Covid-19 restrictions.