Death of former bishop of Cashel

The former Church of Ireland bishop of Cashel and Ossory, the Right Rev Noel Willoughby, has died aged 80.

The former Church of Ireland bishop of Cashel and Ossory, the Right Rev Noel Willoughby, has died aged 80.

Dr Willoughby was bishop of Cashel and Ossory for 17 years and before that had been archdeacon of Dublin and treasurer of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin.

He began his ministry in Drumglass, Co Tyrone, where he was curate from 1950 to 1953. He was then curate of St Catherine's in Dublin for two years and in Christ Church, Bray, for four years. He was incumbent of Delgany from 1959 to 1969 and of Glenageary for the next 11 years.

Dr Willoughby became treasurer of St Patrick's Cathedral from 1977 to 1980, and was archdeacon of Dublin for the next two years. He became bishop of Cashel and Ossory in 1980 and remained in the office until his retirement in 1997.

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When bishop Willoughby announced his retirement, the Primate of All Ireland, the Most Rev Dr Robin Eames, paid tribute to his work with Roman Catholic leaders, which had "done so much to build bridges and increase understanding".

The then archbishop of Dublin, the Most Rev Walton Empey, said the warmth of bishop Willoughby's personality "reached out and touched the hearts of many people who were not members of the Church of Ireland".

Dr Willoughby is survived by his wife Valerie, sons Paul and Tim, and daughter Ros.

Tomorrow there will be a civic procession from the Municipal Buildings (Old Tate School), Wexford, to St Iberius' Church, beginning at 6.30pm. This will be followed by a civic reception and Holy Communion service. The preacher will be former archbishop Empey.

Bishop Willoughby was made a freeman of Wexford in 1991.

The funeral service will take place on Friday at noon in St Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny, followed by burial.