Tributes to former Bishop who was ‘man of integrity’

Tributes to former Bishop who was ‘man of integrity’

14 August 2024

TRIBUTES have been paid to the former Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor Archbishop Noel Treanor who died last Sunday. He was 73.

Archbishop Treanor, a familiar figure who was highly respected across the district, was born in County Monaghan and attended St Patrick’s College in Maynooth before studying in Rome.

He was ordained as a priest in 1976 and served in the diocese of Clogher in St Macartan’s Cathedral in County Monaghan and was later appointed Bishop of Down and Connor by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008.

Two years ago, the Archbishop was appointed by Pope Francis to the diplomatic role of apostolic nuncio to the European Union to act as the representative of the Holy See, or the Catholic Church’s government, in Brussels.

Archbishop Treanor had also served as chair of the board of governors at St Mary’s University College.

The tributes to Archbishop Treanor have been led by scholars, clergy and politicians.

Queen’s University vice-chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, said the archbishop was a “man of great integrity and intellect”.

First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, said she was “shocked and saddened” by the news and extended her condolences to his family.

His passing was described as “sad” by South Down MLA Colin McGrath.

“I remember his work and especially his opening of the new primary school building at my old school in Saul,” he said, while Presbyterian minister, the Rev Steve Stockman, said Noel Treanor was a great supporter of the cross-community 4 Corners Festival and he was very saddened to learn the news.

The Trócaire charity said the Archbishop had been “incredibly supportive” of its work and that he “served as a custodian of our mission, ethos and values”.

EU diplomat Angelina Eichhorst said there was “shock and sadness” at the news.

“My sincere condolences to the Nuncio’s family and friends. His passing is a terrible loss, may he rest in peace,” she posted on social media.

The Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop John McDowell, said he was “profoundly shocked” to hear of the Archbishop’s sudden death.

“Archbishop Noel hailed from Tyholland in Co. Monaghan and retained a strong affection and many connections in that beautiful border parish. I got to know him well through work which we did together in relation to the impact of Brexit.

“When I was Bishop of Clogher I was delighted when he accepted an invitation to speak at an ecumenical gathering in the little Church of Ireland parish church in Tyholland. Noel was always extremely well prepared for any engagement and arrived with a hefty volume of paper in his case. 

“However, half-way through his address he abandoned his notes and spoke directly to many people in that small Protestant community whose families he had grown up with and for whom he had a clear and clear-eyed affection. It was a truly memorable occasion.

“Archbishop Noel’s final posting in Brussels was one of immense complexity and diplomatic delicacy which must have been a challenge to his naturally perfectionist instincts; yet never verbose, he was always worth listening to.”

Archbishop Treanor, who was born on Christmas Day in 1950 and originally from Monaghan town, did not commence the role until January 2023.

After completing his early education at Saint Mary’s Christian Brothers School in the county, he embarked on his third level education at Saint Patrick’s College in Maynooth and subsequently in Rome.

The young scholar was ordained as a priest in 1976 for service in the diocese of Clogher in Saint Macartan’s Cathedral in Co Monaghan before being appointed to the staff of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) in 1989.

Four years later, the cleric was appointed Secretary General of COMECE and remained in the post until his appointment by Pope Benedict XVI as Bishop of Down and Connor in 2008.

Archbishop Treanor is survived by his brother John and his sister Mary.