IAIN MacFirbhisigh, a leading figure in both Jersey’s Catholic Church and the Island’s tourism industry, has died aged 80.
Mr MacFirbhisigh was ordained as Jersey’s first Permanent Deacon in June 1993, holding the non-stipendiary (unpaid) role until his death.
After moving to Jersey from his native Dublin in 1961, Mr MacFirbhisigh worked in tourism for more than 20 years, and was the co-ordinator of St Helier’s Centre Ville Project from 1984 to 1993.
In this role, he was involved with a range of projects including the ‘Hoppa’ bus service, the Christmas lights, La Fête dé Noué and the paving of the Royal Square.
During his time as a Catholic minister, Mr MacFirbhisigh contributed to a range of organisations including the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Knights of St Columba, the Catenian Association, Friends of the Holy Land and Caritas Jersey.
Mr MacFirbhisigh served in executive positions with many Island organisations, including the Jersey Irish Society, the Jersey Amateur Dramatic Club, the Channel Islands Tour Operators’ Group, the Jersey Battle of Flowers Association and the St Helier Roads Committee.
He met his wife-to-be, Cheryl, at a Christmas Day party in 1961, and the couple were married five years later. They celebrated their golden-wedding anniversary in 2016.
A full obituary will be published at a later date.
