The former Bishop of Kilmore, who died aged 79 yesterday, is to be buried in Cavan on Wednesday.
Dr Francis McKiernan presided over the cross-Border diocese which spanned most of Co Cavan, parts of Leitrim, Meath and Sligo, and three parishes in Fermanagh.
Dr McKiernan was the longest-serving Catholic Church bishop when he retired in 1998. He was succeeded by Dr Leo O'Reilly after 26 years at the helm of the diocese.
In 1979, Dr McKiernan was chairman of the National Committee which organised the visit of Pope John Paul II to Ireland.
Extending his sympathies to Dr McKiernan's family and diocese, the Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Sean Brady said: "He was a man of great kindness, humanity and deep Christian faith who devoted himself entirely to the service of his people."
A native of Ballinamore, Co Leitrim, Bishop McKiernan is survived by two sisters, Mary Comey and Ann Lee.
He will be buried next Wednesday following midday Mass in the Cathedral of Saints Patrick and Phelim in Cavan town.