With sadness we announce the death of Fr Patrick (Paddy) Hagan (1959 Class) on Saturday evening, August 23rd.
Our sincere sympathy to Paddy’s family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
From St Patrick’s Missionary Society website
Fr Patrick (Paddy) Hagan (1932 – 2025)
Patrick Joseph Hagan popularly known as Paddy, was born on the 2nd May 1932 in Rhyne, Killoe, Co. Longford to Patrick Hagan and his wife Mary Kate (née Prunty). He was the sixth born in a family of four girls and three boys. He attended Cullyfad National School in from 1937 to 1946 and had his secondary education in St Mel’s College from 1946 to 1951.
In September 1951 Paddy joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. From 1952-1955 he studied for his degree in Cork and then proceeded to Kiltegan for theology. He was among 24 priests ordained for St. Patrick’s Missionary Society by Bishop Thomas McGetttrick on the 24th May 1959 which was the biggest class ever ordained for the Society.
After ordination Paddy was appointed to the diocese of Calabar in Nigeria and taught in schools and in the Junior Seminary. In 1965 he became the director of the Spiritual year in Kiltegan, a position he held until 1978. During those summers he took courses in Loyola University in Chicago and earned a Master’s Degree in religious education. At the 1978 Chapter he was elected to the Central Leadership Team (CLT) of the Society, taking on the role of assistant Society Leader.
After completing his term on the CLT, he took a sabbatical. In 1985 he took on a new mission in Malawi, in the diocese of Chikwawa and worked in the parish of Muona. In 1989 he was transferred to St. Peter’s Parish, Zomba. In 1990 he was appointed Spiritual Director in Kachebere Seminary. In 1991 he was once again called to Society Leadership as the Regional for Central and Southern Africa, based in Lilongwe. After twelve years as Regional Leader he took up the post of Parish priest of St. Kizito’s, Chigoneka.
After 53 years of service to the Society at home in Ireland and in different African countries, Paddy decided to retire to Kiltegan as his sight had deteriorated significantly. Despite his poor eyesight he took an active part in all community activities. He maintained a great interest in the mission of the Society and kept up to date with all the news by listening to the radio and calling his friends and contacts on the phone.
Paddy Hagan was a man of remarkable character, distinguished by his unwavering constancy – a quality that shone brightly, much like the morning star. It was likely this trait that caught the attention of the Central Leadership Team, leading to his appointment as Director of the Spiritual Year in 1965, at the relatively young age of 33. Despite his tender years, Paddy had already demonstrated a depth of maturity that would serve him well in this role. Over the next 13 years, Paddy would go on to accompany over 200 young men as they embarked on the journey to missionary priesthood. His leadership was marked by an unshakeable sense of fairness, a calm and gentle demeanour, and a judgment that was both sound and wise. One of Paddy’s most striking qualities, however, was his ability to remain impartial – he had no favourites, and treated each individual with the same kindness, respect, and dedication. This rare gift allowed him to build strong, meaningful relationships with those in his care, and to make a lasting impact on their lives. These qualities also served Paddy very well when he moved into leadership in the Society.
In July 2025 Paddy spent some time in hospital as his health began to deteriorate. After two weeks he returned to Kiltegan and resumed his normal routine. On the morning of August 23rd, he attended morning Mass as usual. By evening time he began to feel unwell, and as darkness began to fall, he slipped away to the loving embrace of his Creator that he had served so faithfully and responsibly all his long life.
Paddy is predeceased by his parents Patrick and Mary, brothers Peter and Johnny, sisters Mary Dunleavy, Kathleen Hagan, Nellie Morrissey and Margaret Fortune. He is survived by his brother-in-law, John Morrissey, his nephews and nieces and their families, and his Society family.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.