Despite the failings the congregation still came to worship

FOR so long Bishop John Magee’s toughest battle in St Colman’s Cathedral was in trying to change and modernise an ancient structure that was protected by law.

In doing so he battled the civil planning authorities and, from his rostrum, told parishioners that he should be allowed build as he pleased because under the Constitution “every religious denomination shall have the right to manage its own affairs”.

At Mass yesterday, St Colman’s traditional edifice stood proud while Dr Magee skulked away in hiding.