A man of unwavering faith, dedication to family and a tireless commitment to his community; this was the portrait of Charlie Harvey painted by Monsignor Kevin Gillespie at his funeral Mass in St. Eunan’s Cathedral on Sunday.As family, friends, neighbours and members of the wider community gathered to bid farewell, they remembered a man who, in Monsignor Gillespie’s words, “gave an example of good manners, respect, discretion, and unwavering loyalty.”
Charlie Harvey, who died peacefully on Thursday, February 27, was deeply woven into the fabric of Letterkenny, most notably through his lifelong association with St. Eunan’s GAA Club.
A stalwart of the club for over 50 years, he was a three-time president and worked relentlessly behind the scenes, ensuring teams had everything they needed from fundraising to making sure players were well-fed after championship matches.
Even as his health declined he remained a constant presence, attending games latterly in his wheelchair.
The late Charlie Harvey with his sons Cathal and Ollie.
Beyond his sporting associations, Mr Harvey’s life was marked by service. He joined the Defence Forces in 1969, becoming an elite soldier in the Army Rangers.
His career exemplified the values he held dearest: loyalty, honour, and hard work. Monsignor Gillespie recalled how these same values carried over into every aspect of his life from his friendships to his commitment to local politics, where he was a staunch supporter of Dr. James McDaid.
However, it was within his family that Charlie Harvey’s impact shines the brightest. He was remembered as an “unbelievable” husband to Cecilia, a devoted father to Sarah, Ollie, and Cathal and a cherished grandfather to his eight grandchildren; James, Sadie, Anna, Charlie, Grace, Faye, Lucy and baby Ella Rose.
Monsignor Gillespie reflected on how Charlie nurtured and supported his children, never forcing their paths but instead guiding them with quiet encouragement.
“He knew that good seeds need careful nurturing before you can stand back and watch them grow,” Mgr Gillespie said, a fitting metaphor for a man who was also a keen gardener, planting trees, shrubs, and flowers throughout his life.
Charlie was a man of deep and profound faith. He enjoyed going to Ards Friary, in particular for Confession. He told Monsignor Gillespie that he always felt free after Confession, a feeling which also came to him as he faced the prospect of his death and eternal life.
His legacy is deeply rooted in the lives he touched, much like the trees he planted. “Family, faith, friendship, loyalty, decency, commitment, discretion, manners and understanding – these and many more words describe virtues that are fruits of the tree that was the life of Charlie Harvey” concluded Monsignor Gillespie.
Interment took place after Mass at Conwal Cemetery.
Charlie will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Cecilia, daughter, Sarah and husband Alan, sons, Ollie and wife Ciamhe, and Cathal and wife Suzanne, grandchildren, James, Sadie, Grace, Anna, Faye, Charlie, Lucy and Ella, brother, Jim, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews and a wide circle of family, friends and neighbours.
Charlie is predeceased by his brother Hugo.
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