THE late Enda Bonner was remembered for his dedication to family, faith, sport and serving the public at his funeral Mass today.
The Dungloe native and former Fianna Fáil politician died at the age of 76 last Thursday.
Mr Bonner sat in the Seanad from 1997 until 2002 and he was also a councillor for the Glenties Municipal District from 1999 until 2019.
Aside from politics, Mr Bonner was also heavily involved in the GAA. He was Club Vice-President, County Board delegate, former Chairman and a former player with CLG An Clochán Liath. He also played with Donegal.
Mr Bonner’s Requiem Mass took place this afternoon in St Crona’s Church in Dungloe.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin was represented at the funeral by his aide-de-camp Commandant Joe Glennon.
Gifts representing Mr Bonner’s life were brought to the altar, including medals of his sporting achievements, a photo of his time as Mayor of Donegal County Council, a calculator to symbolise his work ethic as an accountant, and a walking stick, which proved his determination to attend Dungloe, Donegal and Celtic matches.
Celebrating the Mass was Fr John Joe Duffy, who described Mr Bonner as a man of deep faith who was loved by all, as well as being outward-looking and caring.
Fr Duffy recalled a story from their youth when he was with Enda on a boat to Arranmore Island.
“The engine broke down, there’s others here today that were on that boat as well,” said Fr Duffy.
“I volunteered to get out, to carry a few people on my back ashore from the boat and I carried Enda on my back ashore from the boat. I might have carried Enda that time when I was in secondary school and ever since that, Enda has been carrying me on his back, as he has carried many of you on his back in times of trial and in times of challenge.
“In times of any type of difficulty, Enda was there for us.”
Fr Duffy said Mr Bonner left behind a “positive legacy” with his dedication to his political career, sporting triumphs and most importantly, his family.
Eulogy
Mr Bonner’s son Patrick read a heartfelt eulogy dedicated to his father.
Patrick described his dad as a “hardworking, resilient, and loyal man” who was “very caring and passionate” beneath his “tough exterior”.
He thanked all those who have come out to show their support in recent days and said it would have made his father happy to see the queues of people who came to pay their respects.
Born in Kerrykeel to Dom and Ann Teresa Bonner, Enda later attended Gormanstown College and was influenced by his PE teacher, former Down GAA player Joe Lennon.
“Dad, after he went to Gormanston, finished off his studies and done his Leaving Cert in St Eunan’s,” said Patrick. “That year, he won the MacLarnon Cup where he scored 2-2 in the final. After that, Dad then went on to NUIG Galway, where he represented NUIG and he was actually the Sigerson captain in his final year.
Originally, Mr Bonner planned to follow the same career path until his uncle Connie Seeney advised him to pursue business studies.
“Dad had a great time for his American relations,” said Patrick. “Dad really respected his Uncle Connie, and then he decided that he was going to go into the business route.
“So when he came home, he worked in Oliver Freaney and Company Accountants. He then later on established his own accountancy practice, Bonner O’Donnell and Company, which later became Bonner Gill and Company.
“It was during this time in Oliver Freaney and his accountancy job that happened the happiest and most luckiest night of my dad’s life. It was in the Intercounty Hotel in Lifford. This young lady was on her way off the dance floor when my father grabbed her hand. And it was from that moment that my mother, and his wife, Phyllis, became the love of his life.”
Mr Bonner had a passion for sports, helping out at golf clubs across Donegal. He was captain, president and honorary secretary in Narin and Portnoo Golf Club.
“But his biggest passion was the GAA, Donegal, and Dungloe in particular,” said Patrick. “Dad was a great athlete. He won under-14 county, under-16 county, and he won two minor counties as being part of a famous three-in-a-row team in Dunloe in the late ’60s.
“He then went on to play for Donegal and be part of the Donegal panel in a very historic 1972 when they won the first ever Ulster Championship. He later came on against the great Offaly team in the semi-final in 1972.”
Patrick recalled the day Donegal won the All Ireland Championship for the first time in 1992, saying it was a “magical” moment .
He said his father loved Christmas and always made the trip to Dungloe to visit his family on a Christmas Eve, even if this meant not going home until 2am.
After the Mass, Mr Bonner was laid to rest in Dungloe Cemetery.
Enda Bonner is sadly missed by his loving and devoted wife Phyllis, his children Elaine (Kevin), Elizabeth (Arpad) and Patrick (Valerie), his adored grandchildren Brooke, Mason, Conal and Elodie.
He is also missed by his sisters Pauline, Aideen (Martin RIP), Crona (Paddy), his nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, friends and his colleagues and friends in the GAA community. He is predeceased by his parents, Dom and Ann Teresa Bonner.
Tributes
Tributes have been pouring in from across Donegal and further afield since Mr Bonner’s death was announced.
In a statement, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “Enda was steeped in his community and county. He was a distinguished and widely respected public representative who never stopped working and advocating for those he represented.
“He cared deeply for his community and was passionate about its improvement and development. In his many years of service, Enda contributed greatly to his community and county. His legacy is immense.”
Donegal TD Pat the Cope Gallagher said: “Enda Bonner was a proud Rosses man and a dedicated public representative. Enda and I grew up together, attended college in Galway at the same time, and played football side by side. His sudden passing is a profound shock to me and to his many friends across both the political and sporting communities.
“Enda was defined by his total commitment. Whether in sport, his professional life, or politics, he approached every task with determination and gave nothing less than his full effort. He was a skilled and accomplished footballer for club and county, later serving on the County Board and as Chairperson of CLG an Chlochán Liath.
“In public life, Enda served on the Fianna Fáil Ard Chomhairle, in Seanad Éireann, and on Donegal County Council, where he held the position of Chairman in 2006–2007. His legacy will stand as a positive and enduring contribution to the communities of West Donegal. He was a formidable and hardworking representative who devoted himself to improving the lives of the people in his electoral area.
“Above all, Enda was a family man. Ann and I extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Phylis, his daughters Elaine and Elizabeth, his son Patrick, his grandchildren, and his sisters Pauline, Aideen and Crona, his nieces and nephews.
“No task too much, no job too big or small. You gave your best through sun and rain. Now the final twilight falls upon the fields – the strain ends, but your name will remain known through time.”
Donegal County Council also paid tribute to Mr Bonner, who served as Mayor of the council from 2006 to 2007.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Gary Doherty, said: “Enda Bonner devoted his life to serving others. Whether as a County Councillor, Mayor, Senator, community advocate or proud Donegal Gael, he always worked tirelessly on behalf of the people and communities he represented.
“His contribution to local government, his work across numerous Council committees and his commitment to the social and economic development of Donegal have left a lasting legacy.”
The late Enda Bonner. Photo: Brian McDaid