Monsignor Ignatius McQuillan. Photo: IrishNews Fr Ignatius McQuillan, who secretly played for Fermanagh after his ordination, has died aged 90.
Fr Iggy – as he was known – was a county footballer at the time of his ordination in 1955.
As was customary at the time, he was asked to cease his career, but he continued playing under the name Sam Maguire.
When Fermanagh reached the 1959 All Ireland junior final, Fr Iggy, as Sam Maguire, was named team captain.
The ball was thrown in for the final by Fr Iggy’s bishop, Dr Neil Farren who later admitted he recognised his priest but decided to turn a blind eye.
One of the north’s foremost educationalists, Fr McQuillan was one of the driving forces in Catholic education in the Derry diocese.
Derry diocesan spokesman Fr Michael Canny told The Irish News that Fr Iggy was a “colossal figure” in education and sports.
“He was also a gentle and caring priest of uncompromising sincerity who didn’t believe in fuss or title and involved himself in all aspects of parish life,” he said.
“As an educationalist… he always sought the highest standards and strove for what he believed to be best for the welfare of students and staff.”