The family of the late Archbishop Noël Treanor wish to express their profound gratitude to all who helped and supported them following Noël’s very sudden and unexpected demise.
To Fr. Eugene O’Hagan, Chancellor of Down and Connor, who accompanied us to Brussels and was a pillar of strength and guidance as we navigated the required administrative protocols.
To Archbishop Noël’s staff and friends in Brussels; Monsignor Jean Baptiste, Sr. Claudia, and Sr. Rosalba, and the ‘Focolare Community’, Maria Rosa, Anna, Theresa, Catherine, Andreas, Elena, Marcelo, Maria and Merce who provided us with hospitality and transport.
To Cardinal Jozef De Kesel and the clergy in Brussels; who offered us heartfelt condolences and provided Archbishop Noël with a most beautiful Requiem Mass prior to his repatriation to Ireland.
To the many representatives of COMECE, the EU, co-workers and acquaintances; who met us and offered their condolences.
To the O’ Kane Funeral Directors in Belfast; whose professional and dignified service provided smooth passage of Noël’s coffin from Dublin airport, and in collaboration with Peter McMahon, Funeral Home, Emyvale, Monaghan, escorted Noël with a memorable and deeply emotional journey through his homeland, enroute to Belfast.
To Murphy video services, Emyvale, Monaghan and Peader McMahon photographic services, Emyvale; for their professional and beautiful coverage of Noël’s final journey home.
To the local people who stood along the route through Tyholland, Monaghan Cathedral, Corracrin, Emyvale and onward towards the Aughnacloy border; to honour his cortege.
To Dorothy, Lisanne, Marius and all the staff at Lisbreen, Belfast; for their consistent and steadfast support for Noël as Bishop of Down and Connor and at his final return.
To Bishop Alan McGuckian; for his gentle support, hospitality and beautiful Funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Cathedral, Belfast.
To Fr. Martin Graham, Administrator, St. Peters Cathedral, Fr. Eugene O’ Hagan Chancellor, Fr. Gerard Fox, Diocesan Secretary, Ms. Claire Carmichael, Living Church Office, Fr. Brian Watters, Fr. Aidan Mc Caughan, and the assisting Deacons; for their efficient organisation and attention to detail during the reposing of Noel’s remains in St. Peters Cathedral, the service of Vespers and the Funeral Mass.
To Fr. Eugene O’Hagan, his brother Fr. Martin; for their incredible singing during the ceremonies.
To the Cathedral Choir and the Schola Cantorum; for their beautiful singing, which Noël loved and spoke highly of during his 14 years in Down & Connor.
To the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, the Cardinals, Bishops and Priests; who attended the Funeral Mass.
To His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the City and County Borough of Belfast; Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle. To Commandant Deirdre Newell; who represented An Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D Higgins and Captain Bronagh Keenan who represented An Taoiseach, Simon Harris and to Ms. Mairead McGuinness who represented the Irish Government.
To Fr. Paddy McGinn and Fr. Hubert Martin; for their blessings and prayers at St. Macartan’s Cathedral, Monaghan and St. Patrick’s Church, Corracrin as Noël’s funeral cortege paused.
To all our neighbours, friends, relatives and the many people who attended the services, joined in the live stream, offered their condolences, sent cards, floral tributes, wrote letters to us; we sincerely thank you.
A Month’s Mind Mass for Noël will be held in St. Peter’s Cathedral, Belfast on Sunday 8th of September at 5 pm which will be broadcast live and recorded on the Cathedral webcam; www.churchservices.tv/stpeterscathedral.
A Memorial Mass will also be held in Tyholland on Tuesday 24th September at 7.30pm
May Archbishop Noël’s soul rest in eternal peace.