THERE was deep sadness in West Donegal following the death at his home on Thursday, January 2 of Pádraig O’Boyle, Knockastolar, Bunbeg. He would have celebrated his 37th birthday on Wednesday last.
A son of Vincent and Bella O’Boyle, Pádraig was in ill health for many years.
At his Funeral Mass on Sunday the main celebrant An Dr. Ró Oirmh. Pádraig Ó Baoighill, former P.P., of Gaoth Dobhair described Pádraig as a lovely young man, with a great personality who had a heavy cross to bear up until his final breath on Thursday.
An Dr. Ó Baoighill said he got to know Pádraig while he served as chaplain at Pobal Scoil Ghaoth Dobhair.
He described Pádraig as a “wee gentleman” who was a kind, friendly person who made time for others. He said Pádraig carried his long illness with fortitude and he never complained.
An Dr. Ó Baoighill added that Pádraig was a great supporter of Gaelic football and his allegiance was not only to the county and Gaoth Dobhair teams but also to other teams throughout the county, including Naomh Conaill, Naomh Muire, Ardara, Glenswilly and Cloughaneely.
He referred to a light hearted event when Pádraig was a game in Glenties when Naomh Conaill were playing Ardara. Pádraig was wearing a Naomh Conaill jersey and an Ardara jersey underneath. Naomh Conaill lost the match and he immediately pulled off the Naomh Conaill jersey and joined with the celebrating Ardara team.
He was a very sociable person and in former times he enjoyed discos in the Sea View Hotel, and Cabaret Craiceáilte in Teach Hiúdaí Beag.
Pádraig was born on January 8, 1988 and received his early education in Scoil Phádraig, Dore. He later studied at Pobal Scoil Ghaoth Dobhair and after his leaving cert went on to study at LYIT in Letterkenny.
After graduating he worked for a period in Siopa Mhicí, Derrybeg, the Cope in Annagry, Ionad Cois Locha, Dunlewey and SuperValu in Dungloe.
Funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Derrybeg on Sunday, January 5. Concelebrants included Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, Diocesan Administrator, Fr. Brian Ó Fearraigh, P.P., Gaoth Dobhair, Fr. Donnchadh Ó Baoill, P.P., Gortahork, and Fr. Seán Ó Gallchóir.
The beautiful music throughout the Mass was provided by Pádraig’s cousins, Éamonn and Máire McGarvey. Soloists were Eileen Sweeney and Sabrina Sweeney, while Hugh Hiudaí Beag Gallagher played the organ.
They sang the stunning Christmas hymn, Oíche Chiúin as the remains were leaving the altar.
Pádraig’s funeral took place afterwards to Magheragallon cemetery.
He was predeceased by his baby sister Louise, his grandparents, Paidí an Mhaistir and Hannah Hiudaí O’Boyle, Knockastolar and Paidí Thadhaig and Mary (Barr) McFadden, Dore and his uncle, Dónal K O’Boyle.
Pádraig will be sadly and sorely missed by his loving parents, Vincent and Bella O’Boyle, his sister Katie and her husband Philip, his brothers, Pól and Seán, aunts and uncles and extended family and many friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
– Tommy Curran
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