THE funeral took place this week of retired member of An Garda Síochana, Des Callaghan of Ashlawn, Letterkenny.
He was remembered as a “softly spoken gentleman” who helped turn a growing town into a glowing community.
Des passed peacefully in Letterkenny University Hospital surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, August 29.
At the funeral Mass in the Church of the Irish Martyrs on Tuesday, Des’ son Pól delivered a beautiful tribute to his father, telling those present that the phrase “one of the best” had been heard a lot in the wake house in the last few days, as visitors takjed about his dad.
“He never sought the limelight, but he loved people, and loved being at the centre of things,” he said.
“A great husband to mum, a father to us, son, brother, garda comrade, neighbour and friend.”
Des moved to London at 18 before being called to Templemore at 19.
“Events then took him to the border and to the Borderland Dance Hall where he met our mum”, Pól added.
“While we are sad to see dad go, we were delighted that they got to celebrate with us, their golden anniversary just last June.”
Mayo’s recent All-Ireland win was also a special day for Des who was originally from Ballina, born 18 months after “the infamous curse”.
“So he lived nearly his entire life until two days after his cancer diagnosis without having Sam”, Pól said.
“And it’s hard to put into words how much that meant to him when he knew his days were numbered.”
Pól also spoke of how Des was a community man at heart, and recalled that along with other parents in Ashlawn, Des formed a residents association.
“Working together they built a growing town into a glowing community.”
As a garda, Des believed in “policing with the community, not policing the community.”
“If everyone had a dad, partner, neighbour or friend like our dad, the world would be a better place”.
Tuesday’s Mass was celebrated by Fr Ciaran Harkin. Interment took place afterwards in Conwal Cemetery.
Des is predeceased by his mother, Annie (O’Malley), father, Vincey and infant sister, Anne.
He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Julia, children, Pól (Fiona), Louise (John), Yvonne (Fearghall) and Angie (Corinne).
He will be sadly missed by his adoring grandchildren, Bláthnaid, Néamh, Lorcán, Dara-Trása, Étain, Ava, Senan, Cillian, Clodagh agus Sadie; his sisters, Mary (Dublin) and Joan (Kent); brothers, Frank (Kent) and Vin (Ballina); his many nieces, nephews in-laws and a wide circle of family, friends, Garda comrades and neighbours.