Diocese mourns passing of Derry-born priest

Rev. Fr. Frank McLaughlin, a native of Derry's Carlisle Road, passed away peacefully at Altnagelvin Hospital on Saturday (October 4, 2025).

Having served for many years in the Nottingham Diocese, Fr McLaughlin, a former student of St Columb’s College, retired to his native Derry where he continued to be an immense support to St. Eugene's Cathedral and Long Tower parish within the city.

A death notice stated Rev. Fr. Frank McLaughlin was 'beloved son of the late Patrick and Ellen, loving brother of Evelyn and the late Maureen, Billy, Danny, Rosaleen, Peter, Celine and Tony, dear brother-in-law to Douglas and a special uncle to all his nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

'Dearly loved and will be sadly missed by the wider family circle. Deeply regretted by his sorrowing sister, the wider family circle, Bishop McKeown, priests and parishioners of the Derry Diocese'.

Rev. Fr. Frank will be reposing in St. Eugene’s Cathedral with removal leaving there on Tuesday, October 7 at 6:00pm to St. Columba’s Church, Longtower for Requiem Mass on Wednesday at 12:00noon. Interment afterwards in the City Cemetery.

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The Long Tower expressed its sadness at his passing, offering condolences to his family and all who were served by him. They stated, "May God reward Fr. Frank for his dedication to the Lord as a faithful priest and servant of God's people".