Donegal MD pays tribute to respected community figures - Donegal Daily

A series of tributes were shared at the September Donegal Municipal District meeting as councillors remembered those who had made a lasting contribution locally...

A series of tributes were shared at the September Donegal Municipal District meeting as councillors remembered those who had made a lasting contribution locally.

Councillors and staff paused to remember a number of recently deceased people, with warm words shared about their contributions to local communities, sport, politics, tourism and public life.

Among those remembered were James and Noreen McHugh of Kilcar, who died following a tragic road collision in Co Cavan last month.

James was a member of Donegal’s historic 1992 All-Ireland winning team, while Noreen was a long-serving secretary at Scoil Cartha Naofa in Kilcar.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Jimmy Brogan recalled the huge turnout for their wake and funeral and paid tribute to the Kilcar community and Donegal GAA for the way the couple were honoured.

Cllr Micheál Naughton remembered James as “a Kilcar man through and through” and also paid tribute to Noreen’s service to the school community. He said the tragedy would take a long time for the community to come to terms with.

Cllr Michael McMahon described the couple’s joint funeral as “a very sad occasion”, adding that “the GAA should be very proud of themselves for the send-off.”

Councillors also remembered veteran Fianna Fáil politician Enda Bonner , who passed away in August aged 76 following decades of service in politics and the GAA.

Donegal pop artist continues breakout year with moving new single

High-speed broadband rolled out to 1,900 customers in Donegal Town

Cllr Naughton described his former party colleague as “a great friend” who had given him good guidance.

“Not alone in politics, Enda was steeped in Donegal GAA,” he said, adding that he “worked very hard for Donegal.”

Cllr McMahon also recalled watching Mr Bonner play, including what he described as a “fantastic” battle with the late Mickey McLoone. He said that during his years attending county board meetings, “he was always in Dungloe’s corner.”

Cllr Naughton also paid tribute to the late Martina Rafferty of Falcarragh, recalling her long involvement in Donegal’s hospitality and tourism sector.

“She did a lot for tourism,” he said, noting that she had served on the Donegal Tourism board for a number of years.

Offering condolences to her husband Gavin, son, parents and wider family, Cllr Naughton added: “Life can be so short at times.”

Among the many other votes of sympathy were Comdt Pat Earley Retd of Donegal Town; Killybegs businessman Michael Melly; former Garda Des Corley of Donegal Town; Dessie Gallagher of Bruckless, a former grocer and godfather of Cllr Michael Boyle, who was remembered for helping families through difficult times; former Labour Party TD and Dublin Lord Mayor Michael Conaghan, a native of Dunkineely; and former Bundoran shopkeeper Danny Breslin, who died aged 101.