THE death has been announced of the former County Manager of Donegal County Council Michael McLoone.
The much respected Ballyshannon man, who was also a highly decorated former Donegal GAA footballer, died peacefully in Ballyshannon Community Hospital.
His passing will be met with deep sadness among his many former colleagues within Donegal County Council, and those who knew him from political and sporting life.
A warm and engaging man, Mr McLoone retired as County Manager in July 2010 but his knowledge and experience in public life ensured that he would continue to serve with different boards, community groups and organisations after his retirement.
Michael McLoone
He was County Manager for 16 years and was always highly regarded by elected councillors and council staff.
In his younger years, Mr McLoone was a talented Gaelic footballer playing with the St. Josep’s club and also Donegal.
He famously scored two goals as St. Joseph’s defeated Dunmore McHale’s to win the All-Ireland club championship final of 1968.
It was one of the high points of a footballing career that also saw him win three Ulster U21 titles in 1963, ‘65 and ‘66 as well as Ulster Minor League titles and three Donegal Senior Championship titles with St. Joseph’s.
A brilliant forward, Michael also represented Ulster and was part of a Donegal team long considered to be one of the best to have ever represented the county.
FUNERAL DETAILS
The death has occurred of Michael McLoone (Senior), Abbeylane, Ballyshannon, F94 F6D7
Peacefully in the gentle and exceptional care of the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff at the Ballyshannon Community Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Predeceased by his parents, Philip and Kathleen McLoone, his brother, Philip.
Survived by his loving wife, Imelda, his sons, Michael, David, Philip and daughter, Caroline, his daughters in-law, Elaine, Aoife and Louise, son-in-law, Noel. Adored by his grandchildren, Aaron, Kate, Daniel, Nicole, Emily and Conall, brothers, Peter (and Liz), Paul (and Marie) and sister, Catherine, nieces, nephews and all his extended family and friends.
Reposing at his residence, Abbeylane, Ballyshannon, on Monday and Tuesday from 2pm to 8pm.
Removal on Wednesday, December 3 from his residence at 10.15am to arrive at St. Patrick’s Church, Ballyshannon for Mass of the Resurrection at 11am with service of interment in the Abbey Assaroe Cemetery.
A one-way system will take place during the wake. Entrance by the Abbey Lane with exit to the Rossnowlagh Road via the Abbey Mill Wheel.
Family flowers only. Donations in lieu of so desired in memory of Michael to the Ballyshannon Community Hospital patients comfort fund c/o Patrick McKenna Funeral Directors, Ballyshannon or any family member.
The house shall be private to family outside of responding times and on the morning of the funeral. The funeral Mass shall be streamed live on St. Patrick’s Church page on www.churchservices.tv/Stpatricksballyshannon/
