Commemorative plaque in Glenfin Chapel

Bishop Hannigan

Born in Moneen, he was only about one week old when his mother, a teacher in Ballykerrigan School died suddenly. He was a native Irish speaker. He attended Brockagh National School, where his mother (Annie Boyle) had been principal for a time. His Baptism was the first in Glenfin church.

He became a student in Finn College, Ballybofey and later moved to St. Eunan's College. He did his theological studies in San Sulpice College in Paris.

Having done his retreat in Ards Friary, he was ordained for the Welsh mission in June 1954. Bishop Petit of Menevia came to Glenfin church to ordain him. He was the first ordination in that church. His first appointment was to Llandudno. He later became Secretary to his Bishop. In time he became vicar General and later Monsignor.

Less than a week after becoming Bishop he was back in his native parish. Present at the Mass of Welcome were Dr. Hegarty and Dr. MacFeely. So it could be called Oiche na dtrí Easbog (The Night of the Three Bishops). Many years ago an old neighbour of Bishop Hannigan's prophesied:
"Beidh cuid oigheannaí Néill Mhóir ina ndaoine mhóra go fóill"..

The Mass was celebrated by a number of priests who were natives of the parish.

The following was composed by a neighbour on the occasion of Bishop Hannigan's ordination to the priesthood.

Ungadh Lámh

Bliain Mhuire's an lá 'na fhad
Do ghluais abhaile ón Fhrainnc anoir,
Mar a h-oileadh ar bhruach séin,
Séamus óg le togha an linn.

In ardaidh Muire cois Cuan na Long
Áit mhór cháil le craifeacht fíor,
Ar mac linn ar anam chúrsa
Ullmhú chóir don ócaid mhóir.

Mothú áthais fríd Ghleann Fhinne
Rud anois nár tharla riamh
Sagart Dé fáil uird cois baile
Ábhar againn bheith ag maoideamh

Brait ar folamhain ag Cill Taobhóg
Bunadh'n ghleann ag carnadh 'steach,
Ceol chun Dé ar Neamh dá sheinm,
Slóite gaol, aoibh gheal 'na ndreach.

Cluintear guth sacerdos magnus,
Siud aníos an teasbog thall,
Maordha seasann an tordinandus,
Sagart eile dá chur ar fáil.

Meangadh chaoin ar aghaidh na Maighdne,
Ungtar lámh's tugtar geall,
Cromann earlamh Menevensis,
Cogar anois ó'n easbog thall.

Nochtann grian ar Ált na Péiste,
Buíochas mór le Rí na Rann.
Lúbtar glún le haghaidh céad bheannacht,
Dórd chaoin chomhráidh ar an bhán.

Meirgthe fáilte suas an Mhóinin,
Óglaí armtha céim ar céim,
Amharc nach rún ar aghaidh an tsagairt,
"Seo mo láthair breithe féin."