A DEEP sense of loss has been felt throughout the Gaoth Dobhair community following the death at Letterkenny University Hospital after a short illness of Declan Edelsten [60] of Middletown, Derrybeg.
He was born in Glasgow, and had spent most of his life in Gaoth Dobhair.
From a young age he spent many years as a tunnel worker all over Scotland, England, and as far as Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. He also worked on other big projects including pipe laying, railway tracks, power stations and building sites.
In 2001 he married Dairine McBride and they had a new home built at Middletown on the Magheragallon road and they had three children.
In 2010 he attended a block laying and stone wall course. Declan was a gifted craftsman with two great hands, he possessed a natural ability to turn his talents to almost anything.
One of his proudest achievements was the loving refurbishment of his late mother’s former home Teach Eoghain Hiudaí at Middletown, a labour of love that reflected both his remarkable workmanship and his deep attachment to family and place, through patience, vision and countless hours of work. He restored the house with care and pride, breathing new life into the old family home while preserving its warmth and character.
Visitors to the house were always drawn to the stunning stone fireplace he built by hand, a true masterpiece that stood as a symbol of his craftsmanship and eye for detail.
It became the heart of the two-storey home, admired by all who saw it and a lasting reminder of the talents he processed. He also removed the exterior plaster of the house to reveal stunning stones which remained hidden since it was constructed over a century ago.
Always eager to learn new skills he completed a welding course in 2007 which led him to secure employment with Josie Ferry’s Coach Building Company on the Gaoth Dobhair Industrial Estate.
Covid brought life to a standstill but he kept himself busy by undertaking a coach driving course and began driving with John O’Donnell Buses, Ranafast. He remained working with them until the onset of his illness.
In his working life, he was a dedicated and reliable bus driver, known for his friendly manner, good humour and the easy conversations he shared with passengers along the way. His presence brightened many a journey.
Declan was a man of many interests. He was a passionate supporter of Celtic FC, a love he carried from his Glasgow roots. Match days were always special occasions, whether he was gathered around friends in Seán Ógs or setting comfortably at home in front of television, cheering the team along.
He found his greatest peace and happiness in the simple rhythm of paddling his kayak towards the nearby islands of Gola and Inis Sionnaigh and camping at Port an Mhadaigh Bháín. There he found solitude, reflection, and a deep connection with nature that defined much of his quiet strength.
He will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and brother and a loyal friend to many.
Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church, Dunlewey on Friday. The main celebrant was Very Rev. Brian Ó Fearraigh and was he assisted by Very Rev. James Gillespie, Fr. Brendán Mac a’Bhaird and Fr. Seán Ó Gallchóir.
Pupils from Pobal Scoil Ghaoth Dobhair at which Declan’s son Darragh is a student provided a guard of honour at the church. Declan was laid to rest afterwards in Magheragallon Cemetery.
He was predeceased by his father, John, his mother, Kitty Eoin Hiudaí (née Doherty) and his brother, Patrick, his parents-in-law, Pádraig Phaidí Jimmy McBride and Gracie (née McGinley) McBride, Middletown.
Declan will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Dairine, daughter, Róisa, sons, Odhrán and Darragh, sister, Mylene (Séamus), brothers, Éamonn (Marie), Owen (Silvia), John (Margaret), Gerard (Carol), sister-in-law, Madge, in-laws, Fiona (Brendan), Pearse (Gráinne), Martina (Paddy), Deirdre (Martin), Michael (Geraldine), Maoilíosa (Guillaume), Grace Anne (Michael), nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
Declan Edelsten.