THE funeral took place on Saturday morning in St Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny of Michael McGill, Ballykeeran, Kilmacrennan.
His peaceful death at his home on Wednesday last has prompted deep sadness among his family and his many friends.
That sadness was acknowledged by celebrant, Monsignor Kevin Gillespie at Saturday’s funeral Mass where he told Michael’s loving family to take strength from their memories of happy times together.
“For you Michael’s death has come after a short and unexpected illness. It is hard to take it all in,” Monsignor Gillespie said.
“Everyone here would want, by their prayers and support, to lift you a little bit from your sorrow.
“It is a very private and personal journey but at least one which you do not need to walk alone.
“Along with sorrow and the loneliness of Michael’s absence, these days and the days ahead are also an opportunity to remember so many occasions when you laughed together, when you had great times together, when you knew the natural sense of security and love from your father.”
Saturday’s Mass began with Mgr Gillespie offering a special welcome to the members of the Special Olympics who were there to say thanks for all Michael had done for them over the years.
“Michael was great company and made a great friend to so many who I know are devastated by his loss,” he said.
He recalled how Michael and Carol had first met.
“Carol saw him first when he walked into his brother-in law’s shop where she had one of her first jobs.
“She can still describe what he wore that day, cream flared trousers and a checked shirt.
“Even after all these years, Carol lit up and said he was just gorgeous. And he was smitten with her too. His heart was taken in that moment by Carol Hegarty and they would be married the following year. “
Michael McGill
Mgr Gillespie said Michael and Carol’s dad became firm friends and golfing buddies. He became another brother in the Hegarty household and part of the community around Iona Road and Ard Colmcille. Carol and Michael were then blessed with Leeane and Vicki around whom their lives were to revolve with natural love, protection and encouragement.
Michael worked with Swilly Drive as a driving instructor.
“Carol mentioned to me how patient Michael was with his students, teaching them how to drive,” Mgr Gillespie said.
“Many’s a man he got through increasingly complicated driving exams when all they wanted to do was to drive a truck. With gentle instruction he would coax them, reassure them, teach them and get them through and of course, he was always talking and always humming or singing a tune. Music was a great gift and Michael shared it generously.”
Mgr Gillespie said Michael’s diagnosis came in the midst of the ease of retirement. His sickness was a journey that has been both harrowing and overwhelming, but also full of love.
He told how Michael and Carol would take their beads and say a decade of the rosary each day.
“In that simple action of prayerful togetherness they felt reassured, strengthened and filled with the deep emotion of love,” he said.
Michael is deeply regretted and sadly missed by his wife Carole, daughters Leeann (Mikey) and Vicki, grandchildren Lilie and Fiadh, brother John, sisters Ann, Betty, Majella and Frances, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and a wide circle of family, friends and neighbours.