THE death of Éamonn Doohan, Meenlaragh, Gortahork which took place at his home on Friday, February 13 at the age of 52 years has cast a deep shadow of sorrow over his loving family, and over the wider community where he was so well liked and so highly thought of.
A son of Tom Rua and Kathleen Doohan, his wife Deirdre, née Diver, is originally from Lunniagh, Derrybeg.
Éamonn was laid to rest in Gortahork cemetery on Monday afternoon after Requiem Mass in the Church of Christ the King. The celebrant of the Mass was Fr. Seán Ó Gallchóir, former Parish Priest of Gortahork and he was assisted by Fr. Donnchadh Ó Baoill, Fr, Brian Ó Fearraigh, Fr. Martin Doohan, Fr. James Gillespie and an tAthair Pádraig Ó Baoighill.
In his homily Fr. Seán said family meant everything to Éamonn and he was deeply devoted to those closest to him.
“He was a loving and caring presence in the lives of his family, always ready to offer support, encouragement and practical help whenever it was needed,”Fr. Seán said.
“ He was known as a hardworking and dependable man who approached life with quiet determination. He used all the talents God gave him and could turn his hand at any task.”
Fr. Seán said Éamonn was born in Edinburgh in February, 1973. The family moved over to Magheraroarty when Éamonn was aged four years. He attended Magheraroarty NS and Pobal Scoil Chloichcheann Fhaola. Fr. Seán said although Éamonn was a highly intelligent and bright student he left PCC before his Leaving Cert.
He went to Edinburgh in search of work and later moved to England and had worked on major tunnel projects.
He later moved to Dublin and worked there for a number of years with his dad. He also worked on projects in a number of towns in the vicinity of Belfast.
He later worked in Gairmeidí Teo., which was located in Falcarragh and then relocated to the Screabán in Gaoth Dobhair. He also spent a few years working in the former Ruibeár Motair Teo., company in Gaoth Dobhair.
He was also a dedicated bar worker, starting off in the Shamrock Bar, Falcarragh. He also worked in Dixons, Meenlaragh and in the Sea View Hotel in Bunbeg where he spent 13 years. He also worked in construction and among the offertory items brought to the altar during his funeral Mass were his tool bag and hammer.
Éamonn met his future wife, Deirdre Diver of Lunniagh at a dance in the Sea View Hotel, Bunbeg and they were married in St. Mary’s Church, Derrybeg at the end of October, 1996. They took up residence in their newly built home close to the sea in Lower Meenlaragh.
Éamonn was a very good singer and loved to perform at local social events. Away from work he was best known as a devoted supporter of Liverpool FC. Match days brought him great joy , and he followed his devoted team with passion and pride through every high and low. Football was more than a hobby for him, it was a lifelong love that gave him endless conversation and companionship with friends and family.
Among the items brought to the altar was a large photograph of him, his wife and family captured at Anfield Stadium. A recording of ‘You’ll never walk alone’ echoed through the church as the remains were leaving the church.
Predeceased by his mother-in-law, Máire Joe Diver, Éamonn will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Deirdre, daughters, Shauna (Aidan) and Shannon, son, Tomás, parents, Tom Rua and Kathleen Doohan, father-in-law, John Diver, (Lunniagh, Derrybe)], granddaughter, Aoibhínn, sisters, Mary (Rónán), Marjorie (Dónal) and Katie (Danny), brother, John, in-laws, nieces, nephews and extended family and many friends.
– Tommy Curran
