Memoriams

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Rodger (Roddy) Houton 02.05.08

Rodger Houton was born in Malin Head in 1924 to Rose Ann (nee Doherty) and James Houton. He moved to the US in 1948. He married Kathleen Nevin in 1954. They had four children - James, Kathleen, Denis and Geraldine. He was heartbroken by the sudden death of his beloved Kathleen on July 18, 1977. He always had a smile for everyone he met and never an unkind word. He’s described as the most loyal and honourable of men. He was devoted to his family. He loved reminiscing about Ireland. He was a sports fan but especially never missed a Red Sox game. He was overjoyed when they finally won a World Series game in 2004. He enjoyed horse racing, the company of his friends, Irish music, dancing and a good joke.

He died in his home, with hospice care, with his family around him on April 10, 2008. He was a strong, beautiful, faithful, gentle man - one of the best who ever lived. To have had him for a father was a gift from God. (Geraldine Houton Curran)

Mick O'Hagan 10.04.08

Anyone who knew Mick O'Hagan, realised they had met an exceptional guy. Always cheerful and ready with a song. He had a great voice, a wonderful smile and always a pleasant word.
He was 86 and was one of 14 children raised in a two-room cottage in Old Mountain, Buncrana - the end of a special breed. Raised with little or nothing, he made it in the world by sheer hard work and talent.
I remember him especially for his kindness and craic and for his lovely singing voice. He used to be one of the group that would visit the Nazareth House on Wednesday evenings, along with Frank and Teresa Doherty, Willie Breslin and a few others to entertain the residents of that fine place. He got as much enjoyment from it as it gave others. May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled by having him as their own. (by Kevin McDonald, Linsfort)

Michael McDermott 18.02.08

The death took place recently after a long illness of Michael McDermott, St. Finian's Park, Moville. Michael worked in Bonner's Shop on the Malin Road for 34 years, where he earned great respect from the public for his honest and hard working manner. The esteem in which Michael was held was shown by the large attendance at the removal from Carndonagh Hospital, all the people who called to his home and the huge crowd who attended the funeral Mass in St. Pius X, followed by his burial in St. Mary's Church, Bocan. Michael was a devoted husband, brother, father and grandfather. Deepest sympathy is extended to his dedicated wife Susan and his family Donal, Helene, Michael, Dermot, Joseph, Susan, Seamus and Maria, daughters-in-law and sons-in-law. May he rest in peace.

Paddy McCartney 21.01.08

The parish of Moville was shocked recently by the sudden death of Patrick McCartney of St Finian's Park in the town. Paddy, as he was known, worked for many years in McCauley's Mills, Moville, having served in the Irish Navy previously. He was an experienced salmon fisherman and was also a member of the St Eugene's Hall committee for many years. On being made redundant, Paddy took up gardening and could be seen working in gardens all over the parish and even further afield. He enjoyed every minute working outdoors with plants and flowers and he was quite knowledgeable about many gardening issues. He went to his rest on January 5, 2008, after a very short illness. Paddy is survived by his wife Roisin, sons John, Paddy, and Michael, daughters Mary Ann, Eileen, Rose, Caroline and Jennifer. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, by his brother Danny and sisters Greta, Annie, Sadie, Philomena and Mary. His remains were waked at his home in St Finian's Park and hundreds of neighbours and friends called to pay their last respects. The funeral Mass was celebrated by Father Patrick McGoldrick CC who was a great support to the family since Paddy was taken ill. He was interred at Ballybrack graveyard and is sadly missed. Ar dheis D go raibh anam duine uasal seo agus leaba I measc na-aingeal.

Frances McDaid 11.01.08

St Finian's Park, Moville, has lost one of its oldest residents with the recent sad death of Frances McDaid. Her unexpected death took place at her home at 91 years of age. Frances had a great sense of fun. She loved to listen to music and singing and enjoyed watching her young grandchildren and great grandchildren playing. Frances who was one of eight brothers and sisters was the last remaining member of the McGonagle family who originated from Cooley, Moville. Some consolation is felt by her family due to Frances' strong faith and belief that when her day would come, she would be reunited with her loving husband John. Her funeral Mass was celebrated by Father McGoldrick C.C., Moville. The readers were her grand-daughters Sinead Faulkner and Sharon McDaid. The Psalm was read by her grand-daughter Lavinia McDaid. The Offertory gifts were presented by her grandsons Kevin, Connor, Eunan and Andrew McDaid. Prayers of the Faithful were read by her grandsons Gavin and Gareth McDaid. The beautiful music was rendered by the Moville Folk Choir and a beautiful rendition of "He is The Lord" was sung by her grand-daughters Elena Gill and Maeve McDaid. Frances will be sadly missed by her four sons, John, Kevin, Hillary and Terence, her daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, many friends and neighbours. May she rest in peace.

Margaret Warnock 17.12.07

There was deep regret in the parish on the recent death of Margaret Warnock. Margaret was a lifelong resident in the Moville area and spent many years working in New Park Hotel, Moville. Although Margaret was a quiet, reserved person, the esteem in which she was held was reflected on the large numbers that called to her home and those who attended the funeral from her late residence to Moville Presbyterian Church. Her service was conducted by Reverend Gilbert Young, a lesson was read by her son David and the organist was Dorothy Young. Margaret was interred in Clar burial ground. Chief mourners were her son Daniel (Moville), brother James McLucas and his wife Jean (Birmingham), sister May and her husband Fred Bowley (Birmingham) and nephew Trevor Carlin (Birmingham). May she rest in peace.

Mary Bonner, Redcastle 07.12.07

The death took place at her late residence after a long illness of Mary Bonner, wife of Eugene Bonner, Carrickmaquigley, Redcastle.
Mary, a native Co Cavan, came to work for Major Cochrane at The Redcastle, alongside her aunt Letty McBrien. In due course, she met and married Eugene Bonner, a native of Redcastle and settled down to married life. After a short time, they went to live and work in England. Subsequently they had two children who they frequently returned with as visitors to the area. On retirement, they purchased a cottage and once more they were back living in Redcastle. Sadly, Mary was stricken with Alzheimer's and it was the only blot on their dream. Despite this, she was happy to potter about looking after the hens always with a smile on her face and a welcome for all. The respect with which this quiet woman was held, was reflected in the large numbers which included many family and friends from Cavan, who called to the house to pay their respects and attended the funeral. Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Father Mailey, Drung, Father Sweeney and Father Moran. The readers were her niece Imelda Gaffney, Cavan and Wilma Bonner, Moville. The Prayers of the Faithful were read by Mary’s grandchildren, Rebecca and Simon Bonner, Manchester. The Offertory gifts were presented by Raymond and Carmel Bonner, Mary's son and daughter, Rebecca and Simon Bonner, grandchildren and Sean and Leone Bonner, niece and nephew. The beautiful music was rendered throughout by Neilly McLaughlin. After the funeral Mass, Mary was interred in the adjoining graveyard. Chief mourners were her husband Eugene, son Raymond and Judy, Manchester, daughter, Carmel and Martin Wales, grandchildren, brother John and Maggie, Cavan, nieces, nephews, brother in law, sister in law, extended family and friends. May she rest in peace.

Charlie O'Donnell - An Appreciation 25.10.07

The untimely death of Charlie O'Donnell has left Buncrana and Inishowen bereft of a kind and compassionate community leader. He was involved in so many aspects of life in Buncrana, Cockhill and wider Inishowen, his loss will be felt in many places and in many ways. There was the Charlie of the Inishowen Football League; of the St. Vincent de Paul; of Cockhill Celtic Youth and Football Club; of Cockhill Commuity, Pre-School and Childcare Centre and FAS - to name just some of his more visible projects. As his friends in Cockhill Celtic remember; "Charlie himself once wrote, 'allow children to watch and you occupy them for a moment, have children participate and you will occupy them for a lifetime',". This philosopy sums up someone who cared deeply not only for his community but for

its future. He will be deeply missed by his many friends and colleagues in the Inishowen Football League of which he was chairman for 35 years. They recall how members of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), on a recent visit to the peninsula, were astounded by the high level of the facilities available to clubs in the local league. "Charlie was never one to rest on his laurels and when Maginn Park became available, he saw it as an ideal league headquarters to serve all the footballing communities in the peninsula. He spent many, many hours, along with others, negotiating for the park and was delighted when the IFL finally secured it." Charlie will be remembered by local journalists as a polite and professional spokesperson who did his best to be helpful when contacted, but who never sought publicity or the limelight for himself. Unfortunately, Charlie will not be around to witness the fruition of many of his dreams and visions. The challenge for the league and its clubs now is to honour his memory by completing the project in a manner he would have been proud of. Cockhill Community Pre-School and Childcare Centre described him as a man of "the highest integrity, patience and kindness". "He was Mr. Community in every sense of the word." The Society of the St. Vincent de Paul, in a heartfelt tribute in the Inishowen Independent wrote: "Charlie joined the Society around 1969 which made him a member for coming up on 40 years. "At local level, he was president of St. Mary's SVP conference in Cockhill. One of his primary projects was the provision of ten social housing units in the area. Charlie was a role model for any young person. His affection and dedication to helping people was an inspiration to SVP members and his input at meetings was always straightforward and without fail he offered sensible solutions to issues. "He was one of those involved in the setting up of the Ozanam Centre at Lower Main Street, Buncrana, that opened in 1989. "The loss of Charlie will be deeply felt within the SVP and throughout the community. However, the members of the society are committed to carrying on the many unfinised projects Charlie had in the pipeline and offer their condolences to Charlie's family." Cllr. Rena Donaghey, who worked with Charlie in Cockhill Youth Club for 15 years, held her friend and neighbour in the highest esteem: "Charlie was definitely one of life's gentlemen and was the best neighbour anyone could ever ask for. I always found him to be decent, honourable and focused. A small farmer, caring and hardworking by nature, he was intelligent and articulate. He gave unstintingly of his time to everyone and had a particular interest in the welfare of the youth and disadvantaged members of the community." May he rest in peace.

Cassie Harkin 02.10.07

The sad passing has taken place of Cassie Harkin, Negult, Moville. She was very well respected and a valued member of the community. She spent her early years working in McKinney’s Hotel (now The Foyle Hotel) before getting married to Packie in 1946. She was an excellent wife to Packie, mother to Alex, Shaun, Rosaleen, Sheila, Patricia and Bernie and will be sadly missed by her grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers and sisters, neighbours and friends. Her funeral Mass in St. Pius X, Moville, was celebrated by Fr. Patrick McGoldrick CC, Moville, to an overflowing congregation. Cassie had attended Mass there when she was able. The readers were Mr. Eamon Gillen, grandson, Mr. Gerard Harkin, grandson. Prayers of the Faithful were read by her grandchildren, John Gillen, Orla Sweeney, Cathy Doherty, Laura White and Mary Harkin. The hymns were delivered beautifully by Claire Doherty. The gifts were taken to the altar by her four daughters, Rosaleen, Sheila, Patricia and Bernie. Cassie was laid to rest in St. Mary’s, Ballybrack with Fr. McGoldrick officiating. The chief mourners were her sons Alex and Bridie (Moville), Shaun and Maureen (Quigley’s Point), her daughters Rosaleen and Harry (Moville), Sheila and George (Buncrana), Patricia and Gerry (Derry) and Bernie and Dave (Gleneely), brothers Johnny (Derry), Robert (Carrowbeg) and sisters Celia (Derry), Mary (Lecamy) and all her grandchildren and great grandchildren and a large group of friends.

Bridget McDaid 02.10.07

The sad passing has taken place of Bridget McDaid 1915 to 2007, Ballyratten, Redcastle. Bridget passed away peacefully in Letterkenny General Hospital on Thursday, September 20th.
In recent months her health had been poorly but for most of her 92 years she enjoyed good health. Her popularity as a community member and as a family person was reflected in the large attendance at her removal and wake and funeral. Her lovely funeral Mass in Drung Chapel was celebrated by Fr. Mailey to an overflowing congregation. Her grandchildren sang Bridget’s favourite hymns beautifully. The gifts were taken to the altar by Bridget’s great-grandchildren. Bridget was laid to rest with her husband Joe in the adjoining cemetery. The chief mourners were her sons and daughters Harry, Mary, Margery, Francis, Joseph, Michael and Rose, her daughters in law and sons in law, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and large extended family. Bridget hailed from Ballybrack and is the last of her line of the Rawdon’s family of Ballybrack. Bridget worked as a domestic servant in Moville for ten years before her marriage to Joe in 1941. On her marriage she moved to Ballylawn where she and her husband raised a family of four boys and four girls. Bridget had a great memory for dates and events of the past and could keep her children and grandchildren fascinated with stories from her childhood and girlhood. Bridget was a wonderful homemaker and a loving and gentle mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She had 32 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Bridget was predeceased by her husband Joe, her daughter Anne and her two grandchildren Margery and Mark. Her Ballyratten home will be lonely without her and she will be sadly missed by her family and many friends and neighbours. May she rest in peace.

James McGrory - An Appreciation 28.09.07

James McGrory was born in the year of the Easter Rising, 1916. He celebrated his 91st birthday in Letterkenny General Hospital on Sunday, September 16th, 2007 and died there three days later. Like many people of James's era, he took work where he could find it and supplemented the family income through his small farm in 'The Parish' of Desertegney where he grew potatoes and cut turf. He also did various jobs over the years. He worked in Swan's Mill and as a gardener for the Swan family where he discovered a natural talent for growing flowers, plants and vegetables. But he spent most of his years until retirement with Donegal and Buncrana Councils.

His first love was his family but his great passion in life was music and singing in every form. He was a great fan of John McCormack and had a huge repertoire of old songs. He would oblige anyone who asked him to sing, whether it was 'The Town I Loved So Well', an old Irish song, a Rogers and Hammerstein classic or an Elvis hit. James played a number of instruments but the one he is best known for was his piano-keyed accordion. He was also a member of the Starlite band in his younger years and had many a funny story to tell about his travels around the North West with his bandmates. James had a quick wit and loved a laugh and a joke but never at anyone else's expense. He was an accomplished golfer in his day and a past Captain of Buncrana Golf Club. He played his last round of golf in his late eighties and didn't stop fishing the Crana River until that age too. James, who dearly loved his hometown of Buncrana and its characters, was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He was compassionate to all and it broke his heart to know that children were starving in the world. He was a true Christian and devout Catholic, not just in word but in deed as well. He was always happy to do someone a good turn. He attended Mass regularly until illness took his mobility from him. This also deprived him of his regular walks to the shore. Above all, James was a loving husband to Ethna, father to Irene, Linda and Jimmy and grandfather to Letitia. He liked nothing better than having them all around him. He is survived by his wife and children and brothers Colm, Joe, Tony and Francis.

Michael McCarron 28.09.07

The town of Moville and surrounding areas were numb with shock at the death of Michael McCarron, Malin Road, Moville. He was the father of the late Brian whose anniversary occurs shortly. Michael was one of Moville’s most respected gentlemen. He was very well known when he was a bus conductor with Lough Swilly and always helpful. A true gentleman he had a word for everyone that knew him. He was an excellent husband to Nan, father to Michelle, Aidan, Shane and will be sadly missed by his grandchildren, brother and sisters, neighbours and friends. His Funeral Mass in St. Pius X, Moville concelebrated by Rev. Fr Michael Carney, St. Eunan’s Letterkenny and Rev. Fr Paddy O’Kane P.P. Moville to an overflowing congregation and where Michael attended daily Mass. The readers were Mrs Mary Gillen sister-in-law and his son Shane. The Psalm was sung by the Moville Folk Choir. Prayers of the Faithful were by his grandchildren Cathy McCarron, Conor, Emma, Carron Griffin. The Moville Folk Choir rendered beautifully Michael’s favourite hymns. The gifts were taken to the altar by his wife Nan and family. Michael was laid to rest in St Mary’s, Ballybrack, Fr Michael Carney and Fr P O’Kane officiated. The chief mourners were his wife Nan, daughter Michelle, sons Aidan and Shane, sister Sadie and Don McInerney, Brigid and Hugh McGuiness, May and Patsy Barr, brother John and Ena and grandchildren, Marian Harkin, MEP, and an large group of friends.

Robert Emmett Reid 14.08.07

The death took place following an accident in New York on July 30th, 2007 of Robert Emmett Reid. Twenty-six year old Robert was the son of Tom Reid and the late Astrid (nee Doherty-Miller) from Buncrana. Robert is survived by his father Tom, sister Deirdre and brothers Eamonn and Tommy. Born at Altnagelvin Hospital, on March 31st, 1981, Robert lived for the first six years of his life in the Lake of Shadows Hotel, Buncrana, were his parents ran their business. The family returned to the USA in 1987. Robert's funeral in New York was attended by his aunts and uncles from Buncrana and Kilkenny and many Buncrana people living in New York.

Ann McCauley 21.05.07

Moville and the North West were saddened by the untimely death of Ann McCauley, Rosebank Court, Moville. Ann's brave fight against her illness came to a peaceful and dignified end on 15 April last at Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry - a place where she worked for 18 years.  Ann (nee Gormley) moved to Moville from Derry eight years ago to start married life with her husband James and they were soon blessed with two children, Emmett and Claire. This lovely friendly young woman, who was only 43, was totally devoted to her family and made a huge impression on anyone fortunate enough to meet her during her short life.  The high regard Ann and James are held in was reflected in the huge numbers of people who called at the house in Rosebank Court, and who attended the Requiem Mass at St. Pius X Moville.  Mass was concelebrated by Fr. George McLaughlin PP and Fr. Ferguson and readers were Paul Gormley and Kathleen Gormley and Prayers of the Faithful were read by Fergal McCauley and Elsie McGurk.  The beautiful music was provided by the choir of S.t Eithne`s Primary School, Derry, led by Neil Gormley.  Deepest sympathy is offered to Ann's husband James, children Emmett and Claire, grandmother Elsie, father Neil, stepmother Uschi, brothers, Neil, Paul, Louis, Mark, John, Adrian, sisters Elaine, Elsie, Edel and Josephine, mother in law Mary, brothers in law, sisters in law, family circle and friends.  She showed us the stars and taught us how to reach them.

Violet Martin 05.04.07

The untimely death occurred at her residence in Gleneely of Violet Martin. The deceased who had been unwell for some time was just 52 years of age. Violet was quiet and unassuming with a smile for all. The large numbers who called to her home reflected her kindness and friendship. She was a most loving devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Violet enjoyed life to the full and never complained about her health. Her funeral to St Columba's Church of Ireland was one of the largest ever seen in Moville. Her funeral service was conducted by Canon Harry Gilmour, after which she was interred in the adjoining cemetery. Sincere sympathy is extended to her husband Gordon, son Gordon, daughters Lorna, Sylvia and Donna, son in law Martin, grandchildren, brothers, Robert, Harold and Trevor, sisters Pearl, Audrey and Sylvia, nieces, nephews and extended family circle may she rest in peace.

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