MOURNERS at the funeral of Bishop Brian Hannon, whose ministry encompassed some of the worst years of the Troubles, heard he worked "to unite the community".
Bishop Hannon died on Monday aged 85.
The retired Church of Ireland cleric and former Bishop of Clogher, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2007.
His ministry covered some of the darkest days in Northern Ireland's history, including the IRA bombing of Enniskillen on Remembrance Day in 1987.
He retired in 2001.
A gifted musician, his son Neil performs as The Divine Comedy and credits his father’s influence and encouragement as the foundation of his musical career.
Former Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland Lord Eames told mourners that Bishop Hannon "cared for the people of Clogher Diocese as though they were parishioners of a large parish".
"He knew them as individuals, he knew their problems and through the darkness of the Troubles he carried their pain on his heart," he said.
"I will long remember him moving among the beds of Enniskillen hospital on the day of the Enniskillen bomb as together he and I sought to bring some comfort to those in such tragic circumstances."
In a statement issued on behalf of the family, Neil Hannon thanked everyone for their kind expressions of sympathy.
"Even after so many years of retirement, and his subsequent long and debilitating illness, the esteem in which he is held appears wholly undiminished," he said.
“Dad practised what he preached. Always had time for people. Always looked for ways to unite the community rather than divide it. The genuine warmth and fondness with which he is remembered is a wonderful testament to this, and such a comfort to us right now. It makes this time a little less sad, a little more celebratory. We're very grateful."
