Bishop’s secretary puts her pen down

Officially Mrs Pat McClements retired from her post on Friday, January 27, having served as Bishop Ken Good’s right-hand-woman for over nine years.

To mark the occasion of her retirement a presentation was made from the Bishop, as well as from Mrs Mary Good and the staff at the Derry and Raphoe Diocesan Office on Tuesday. After presenting Mrs McClements with a bouquet of flowers and a number of gifts the party was joined by her husband, Bertie, for a farewell lunch in a local restaurant.

Mrs MClements talked of her many happy years as Secretary to Bishop Good.

She said: “I originally took up the post intending to stay for just a few months to help out. Little did I realise that I would be here nine years later”.

She also talked of her happiness at working in the Diocesan Office and of her sadness and leaving the team.

Bishop Good paid tribute to the co-operation and good humour of Mrs McClements.

Speaking at the Farewell lunch he said: “In all of the nine years Pat has been my Secretary I don’t think we have ever had a cross word. She has done a wonderful job and I am deeply grateful for her work.”

Mrs McClements originally came from St Patrick’s Parish in Coleraine before moving to Londonderry.