The death has occurred of Brendan Comiskey, Bishop of Ferns, 1984 to 2002.
The diocese takes this opportunity to express its sympathies to his extended family, to the members of his religious order and to all those who grieve his passing.
May he rest in peace.
Bishop Comiskey stood down as Bishop of Ferns in 2002. In 2005, the diocese accepted fully the findings of the Inquiry headed by Justice Frank Murphy. The diocese remains mindful of and available to those affected by the egregious wrongdoings that necessitated the Inquiry.
Please see below an additional statement from Bishop Comiskey’s Religious Order
Bishop Brendan Oliver Comiskey, ss.cc., D.D.
On behalf of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, it is with deep sadness I announce the death of our Brother, Bishop Brendan Comiskey ss.cc., D.D., who died earlier this morning in the Louth County Hospital, Dundalk. Bishop Brendan was the last surviving member of nine other siblings. Please see below details of Bishop Brendan’s years in the Congregation, including his retirement. Please remember Bishop Brendan and his family in yourprayers.
Fr Michael Ruddy ss.cc. (Coordinator: Ireland-England Delegation of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.)
DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH
13 August 1935—Tasson, Clontibret, Co Monaghan, Ireland
PARENTS Patrick J Comiskey & Clare McArdle Brendan the youngest of 10 children: 2 girls & 8 boys
EDUCATED
: Primary Education—National School, Clontibret, Co Monaghan
1954 : Leaving Certificate—St Macartan’s College, Monaghan
NOVITIATE
1954—1955 : Sacred Hearts Seminary, Cootehill, Co Cavan
TEMPORARY PROFESSION
15 August 1955—Cootehill, Co Cavan
1955—1961 Philosophy & Theology, Jaffrey, New Hampshire, USA
FINAL PROFESSION
15 August 1958—Cootehill, Co Cavan
ORDINATION 25 June 1961—Priesthood, Cootehill,Co Cavan 20 January 1980—Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin * 04 April 1984—Bishop of Ferns,Wexford * APPOINTMENTS
1961—1964 : Teacher of Latin & Religion, Pomona Catholic Boys’ HighSchool,
La Verne, California, USA
1964—1966 : STL Degree, Pontifical University of St John Lateran, Rome 1966—1967 : Teacher of Philosophy, Sacred Hearts Seminary,Cootehill, Co Cavan
1967—1968 : Teacher of Moral Theology, Queen of Peace Mission Seminary, Jaffrey,
New Hampshire, USA
1968—1971 : Chairman of Moral Theology Faculty, Washington Theological Coalition,
Washington DC, USA
1971—1974 : Provincial, Ireland-England Province
1972—1974 : Doctoral Studies in Theology, St Patrick’s College, Maynooth 1974—1979 : Secretary-General, Conference of Religious of Ireland
1979 : MSc Degree in Business Management, Trinity College, Dublin
20 Jan 1980 : Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, St Andrew’s Church, Westland Row, Dublin
20 May 1984 : Bishop of Ferns, St Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, CoWexford
RETIREMENT
01 April 2002— Retired as Bishop of Ferns & Resident at the Sacred Hearts Community Residence, Coudrin House, Northbrook Road, Dublin
In the early years of Brendan’s retirement, he was involved in retreat ministry to various groups, with particular reference to contemplative prayer. In latter years and due to age-related health issues, Brendan had to forego giving retreats, but continued to take a keen interest in all things spiritual and ecclesial. In retirement Brendan continued to have close ties with his extended Family and enjoyed celebrating many family occasions with them, such as Baptisms, Weddings, etc.
* For more details re Bishop Brendan’s Episcopal Ministry please contact: The Archdiocese of Dublin and The Diocese of Ferns.
28/04/2025
ENDS