Moving tributes have been paid to Paddy Sweeney following his death which occurred peacefully at his home in Magheragallon, Gaoth Dobhair.
He was a former teacher, a dedicated public servant and tireless volunteer whose life was marked with quiet commitment to others.
In 1960 he married Nóra Bheag Eoin (née Sweeney) who hailed from Magheragallon. They enjoyed 63 years of married life together until the sudden passing of Nóra in April 2023.
Paddy was born in Thorr, in April 1934. The family moved later to take up residence in Crolly. He received his early education at Thorr National School and afterwards went on to study to become a teacher at St. Patrick’s Training College in Drumcondra.
After graduating his first teaching appointment was in the school on Owey Island off Cruit Island near Kincasslagh. He would cycle to Cruit Pier every Monday morning and would row by curragh to the schoolhouse on the island. He would reside there for the week and would return home at the weekends.
He later spent a number of years teaching in Dooish National School and resided in Ballybofey.
In September 1966 he came to teach in the former two teacher Mín na Manrach NS in the Rosses. Over the years with the decline in the number of pupils, his colleague Máire Bean Mhic Aodha was transferred to the Dungloe school leaving Paddy as the only teacher at the school. He retired from teaching in September 1998.
Paddy was a natural educator, he possessed a gift of encouragement and patience, always striving to bring out the best in those under his care.
Many former pupils will remember him not only for his dedication in the classroom but also for the genuine interest he took in their lives afterwards.
Beyond his professional life he was a proud and active member of Fianna Fáil, a party he supported with conviction and loyalty down through the years. He was deeply engaged in local political life, always assisting local candidates like Pádraig Delap, Cormac Breslin, and Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher during election time. He served as secretary for the Derrybeg Branch of Fianna Fáil spanning over 50 years.
Paddy had a long standing involvement with the St Vincent de Paul Society, where he served with the local St Mary Conference Gaoth Dobhair for many years.
In this role he worked quietly but tirelessly to support those in need, embodying the true spirit of charity and compassion.
Paddy never sought recognition for his efforts, preferring instead to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families through kindness and understanding. He was also active in supporting activities for the aged in the parish and for many years he was chairperson of the local Day Centre committee.
He was a man of integrity and strong values and was deeply rooted in the community and his faith.
For many years he served as eucharist minister and was one of the collectors of the alms in the former St. Mary’s Church, Derrybeg.
He was also a member of the Perpetual Adoration and the Holy Hour.
His funeral service took place in St. Patrick’s Church, Meenaweal on Holy Thursday. The celebrant was Fr. Brian Ó Fearraigh and he was assisted by Fr. Seán Ó Gallchóir.
Paddy was laid to rest afterwards in Magheragallon cemetery.
He was predeceased by his wife, Nóra, daughter, Blathnáid, his parents and brothers, Jimmy, Teague and Antoin and sister, Máire.
He will be sadly missed by his daughters, Deirdre, Clíona (John), Noreen (Ian), Róisín (Colm), Eileen (Michael) and Máire, son, Pádraig (Fionnuala), in-laws, Eamon Sweeney (Marian), Susie Sweeney and Nellie Campbell (Paddy), grandchildren, Domnic, Shane, Aoife, Enya, Hermoine, Pearse, Liam, Colm, Tarlach, Mícheál, Antoin, Pádraig, Caomhán, and Cathal, great-grandchildren and extended family and friends.