Press Releases
DEATH OF FORMER BISHOP OF TUAM
The death took place on Thursday, 20 July, of the former Bishop of Tuam, the Right Reverend John (Jack) Coote Duggan. Aged 82 he had been ill for some time.
Elected Bishop of Tuam in November 1969 he was consecrated in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, in February 1970. Following his retirement in 1985 he lived in Dun Laoghaire. Throughout his retirement Bishop Duggan continued to be active. Earlier this year he was appointed Assistant Bishop of Europe in recognition of his contribution to the Spanish Episcopal Church.
A past pupil of The High School, Dublin, Bishop Duggan studied Mental and Moral Science (Philosophy) at Trinity College Dublin. A brilliant student he was elected to a foundation scholarship in 1940 and that same year graduated with a first-class honours degree.
Ordained a deacon in 1941 and a priest the following year, he served as curate in two parishes: St. Luke's Cork for two years and then for five years in Taney Parish, Dublin.
In 1948 he became rector of his first parish, Portarlington, where he served for seven years followed by 14 years as Rector of Glenageary Parish, Co. Dublin. In 1969 he moved to the west as Rector of Westport and Achill Union and Archdeacon of Tuam.
Bishop Duggan is survived by his wife, Mary, and two children, Brian and Sheila.
The Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Robin Eames, paid this tribute to Bishop Duggan.
"The Church of Ireland will long remember with gratitude the episcopal ministry of Bishop Jack Duggan in the west. His pastoral concern for the Church of Ireland people was expressed through faithful service to and leadership of clergy and laity in a scattered diocese. His ecumenical contacts with other traditions were greatly appreciated. In retirement he gave great service to the Anglican Church in Spain and Portugal. In all his ministry Mrs. Mary Duggan supported him to the full and was herself greatly loved by the people of Tuam diocese."
Further information from:
THE DIOCESAN COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
12 Dargle Wood
Knocklyon Road
Templeogue
Dublin 16
Tel: 01 493 5405
Mob: 087 235 6472
Fax: 01 494 4720
Email:Dublin Diocesan Communications Officer
DCO: Valerie Jones