The pews of Church Of The Holy Family were packed this afternoon as the community of Ardara and beyond gathered to bid farewell to Stephen McCahill.
The funeral cortege passed through his hometown, making its way past the Corner House Bar, where floral tributes were lined outside the building.
Stephen’s coffin, draped in the Ardara GAA flag, was met with a guard of honour from his beloved club, as the popular businessman who was well-known as ‘Mr Ardara’ was brought to his final resting place.
The Funeral Mass was celebrated by Parish Priest Fr Aodhan Cannon and con-celebrated by Msgr Kevin Gillespie, Fr Philip Daly, Fr Gerard Cunningham, Fr Maurice McGill, Fr Adrian Gavigan and Fr Martin Doohan.
Fr Cannon spoke of how the community in Ardara has been plunged into darkness following the tragic loss of Stephen.
He also addressed the anger, intense grief and unanswered questions that followed.
“With Stephen’s death a light had gone out for all of us,” he said.
“This is not how it should be. This is not what god desires for his children,” Fr Cannon added.
Symbols
Symbols of Stephen’s life presented to the altar included the Corner House book which was carried forward by Ann McNeilis, representing his deep love of the bar and the people who passed through its doors over the past 25 years.
“He created far more than a business; he created a place of welcome, warmth, music, storytelling and belonging.
“Though he didn’t drink himself, he loved the life of the bar, the musicians who filled it with song, the dancers and let’s not forget the jiving and the easy conversation that followed.
“Stephen made sure anyone who came into the bar felt welcome and would want to return again.”
The next symbol was the Killybegs boat carried forward by Frankie Murray representing his 35 years passionately serving and advocating for the fishing industry.
“From his office on the pier Stephen welcomed people from all walks of life, always ready for a chat, advice or to quietly help someone who needed it.
“He was deeply proud of his work and fiercely loyal to the fishing community, serving on many committees and standing up for the people behind the industry.”
The late Stephen McCahill. Photo: Eoin McGarvey.
A bicycle helmet was also placed on the altar representing Stephen’s energy, curiosity and zest for life.
He maintained an active lifestyle from indoor soccer at the community centre in his early years to long Sunday cycles with his friend Mary through familiar local routes such as Rosbeg, Portnoo and Nairin.
“These cycles were more than exercise for Stephen, they were time for reflection and a chance to recharge and opportunity to spot ideas and possibilities for the continued development of the town that he loved so well.”
Next symbol was the Claddagh symbol, carried forward by James Gallagher. This reflected the deep value Stephen placed on friendship throughout his life, from his childhood in Glenties, through his years in Dublin where his flat served as a hub to Donegal diaspora and into his life in Ardara, Stephen formed friendships that truly stood the test of time.
“When you were Stephen’s friend you knew it, he showed up, stayed in touch and made sure you felt valued.”
From his Wednesday night card games with neighbours and friends to his friends for life in his WhatsApp group, “loyalty, trust, laughter and kindness were at the heart of every friendship Stephen shared”.
Next was his Donegal Person of the Year award, which was carried forward by Kathleen Sheerin, who was his lifelong friend and a leading member of the Donegal Association.
“This award honours a lifetime of generosity, energy and heartfelt dedication to the people and county he cared about.”
The award presented in 2016 reflected the decades of his commitment to Ardara, south west Donegal and far beyond.
“Stephen worked tirelessly behind the scenes on initiatives, spanning festivals, tourism, education, parish life, local development.”
Stephen always strived and focused on creating an opportunity for others, from his early days working alongside the late Charlie Bennet on the parish council to more recent initiatives such as Awake Tourism and local festivals.
“He thrived on the challenge and success of them all.”
But despite all his public recognition, Stephens greatest work was often quiet and personal, helping people on an individual basis.
“This award serves as a symbol of a life lived generously for the good of the whole community.”
The next symbol was his GAA jacket, carried forward by Cllr Anthony Molloy, symbolising his life-long passion for CLG Ard an Rátha.
He played many roles, from playing to coaching and then later serving as Treasurer, which helped guide the clubs development on and off the field.
Stephen was also immensely proud to be a custodian of the Sam Maguire cup in 1992 and in 2012.
“One of his proudest moments came in 1992 when Ardara native and captain Anthony Molloy declared Sam was for the hills.
“And recently when his close friend and personal assistant, Mary McHugh Kelly was elected county secretary of the Donegal GAA.
“Stephen often said the GAA was the greatest organisation in the world for its ability to bring people together and he love being part of that.”
The final symbol was a family photo which symbolised what mattered most to Stephen – his family.
The photo was carried forward by his beloved daughter-in-law Lauren McCahill.
He was a devoted husband to Marietta, a proud father to Gemma and Steven junior, a much loved father-in-law to Lauren and a doting grandfather to Marykate whose arrival brought him immense joy.
“No matter how busy life became, family was Stephen’s anchor his comfort and his greatest source of happiness.”
Hundreds gathered to bid farewell to the late Stephen McCahill. Photos by Brian McDaid.
Stephen was one of six children born to Packie and Eileen McCahill in the neighbouring parish of Glenties where he grew up on the family farm.
He attended primary and secondary school in Glenties before moving to the Regional Technical College in Letterkenny where he graduated with a Diploma in Industrial Engineering.
“His humble background helped him keep his feet on the ground and gave him a great compassion for dealing with people,” said Fr Cannon in his homily.
Forever cherished husband to Marietta, loving father to Gemma and Steven, adored father-in-law to Lauren, doting grandfather to Marykate, devoted brother and brother-in-law to Peter, Angela, Patricia (John), Desmond (Rose) and Bridie, and beloved uncle to his nieces and nephews.
Pre-deceased by his parents Eileen and Packie and his brother Micheal.
