Died 7 May 1980 | ||
Dr. Neil Farren BA, BCL, BD, DCL was an Irish educator, Catholic priest, and Bishop of Derry from 1939 to 1973.
Graduated from University College, Dublin with first class honours BA in 1914. He received a BCL and a BD from Maynooth College in 1916 and 1918, respectively. Awarded the degree of DCL for his (later published) thesis Domicile and Quasi-Domicile. He became Ireland's youngest bishop when appointed to the Derry Diocese in October 1939. During the Second World War he was appointed "ordinary" of the American forces in Ireland, and his services were recognised by the award of the United States Medal of Freedom.
Prior to being a Bishop Dr. Farren served as President of St. Columb's College in Derry, from 1928 until 1939. He was bishop during the outbreak of the troubles in Derry, and during Bloody Sunday. During his time as bishop he campaigned for a University in Derry.
He served as Bishop of Derry until he was 80 in 1973 and was replaced by Dr Edward Daly. He died on 7 May 1980. His remains were interred to the right of the main entrance of St. Eugene's Cathedral, Derry.