Eugene O'Doherty (bishop)

Eugene O'Doherty (4 Feb 1896 – 24 March 1979) was the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dromore, Northern Ireland.^[1]

Early life and priestly ministry[]

O'Doherty was educated at St Columb's College, Derry and St Patrick's College, Maynooth.^[2] Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Derry in 1921, he undertook postgraduate studies and received a D.D. for his thesis, Doctrinal Process and its Laws. He spent much of his priestly ministry in education on the staff of St. Columb's College being appointed vice president in 1939 and eventually succeeded as President in 1943.^[3]

His is regarded as shortest presidency on record as he was appointed Bishop of Dromore within months of his assuming the post. This appointment was made on 11 March 1944 and he received episcopal consecration on Pentecost Sunday, 23 May 1944.

Episcopal ministry[]

He welcomed the and the opportunity of free secondary education to those who would not have been able to afford it. New schools were opened across the small diocese.^[4]^[5]

Dr. O'Doherty was also responsible for implementing the liturgical changes advocated by the Second Vatican Council which he attended.^{[citation needed]}

He retired in November 1975 and died four years later.^[6]