The former Bishop of Galway, Dr James McLaughlin, has died, the Catholic Church announced today.
He retired last July and died in the Galway Clinic on Friday at the age of 76.
His successor as Bishop, the Most Rev Martin Drennan, said he was "deeply saddened and shocked" by the news of the death of a great friend.
He said since becoming Bishop in the summer he had "enjoyed and greatly valued his wisdom and support."
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Bishop Drennan said his predecessor had been "deeply loved and admired by the people and priests of Galway city and would be missed by all". Bishop McLoughlin celebrated his Golden Jubilee as a priest last year.