DEPUTY Pat the Cope Gallagher has paid tribute to Bishop Seamus Hegarty following his passing at the age of 79.
Speaking earlier today, Deputy Gallagher said, “During his tenure as Bishop in Derry and Raphoe, Bishop Hegarty’s ministry covered thirty years. During that period he faced numerous challenges and he was extremely self-conscious of his shortcomings and difficulties. On his retirement as Derry Bishop, Bishop Seamus Hegarty stated ‘I am deeply sorry that anyone was hurt through my management of allegations historically’.”
Deputy Gallagher revealed how, despite working in Derry for many years, Seamus Hegarty remained a Donegal man through and through.
“Bishop Hegarty was very committed to the Peace Process and cessation of violence on the island of Ireland, a true gaeilgeoir and a passionate supporter of his native Kilcar GAA where you would often meet him on days of county finals. He was a frequent visitor to the Rosses, where you would find him fishing on the lakes and rivers, he was also a keen bridge player.
Pat the Cope Gallagher who has paid tribute to Bishop Hegarty following his death.
“I had the personal privilege of meeting Bishop Hegarty on numerous occasions and I always fond him to be most affable, always extremely politically aware and engaging on the daily struggles of life that effect the ordinary people. He was also a formidable debater and would engage you on the topics of the day and certainly would never shy away from challenging you directly.
“I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to his sister Máire, her husband Joe their family Caitriona, Ciaran and Cormac, to his brother Diarmuid his wife Marie their family Rebecca, David and Aaron, his wider family circle along with his brother priest, his fellow bishops and the people of Kilcar, who were immensely proud of their native son.”
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