THE death occurred recently in Middlesborough of Michael Doohan, aged 83, formerly of Curransport, Gaoth Dobhair.

His funeral took place in England on Thursday.

Michael was a son of the late Joe and Mary Doohan. He  went to Glasgow at 14 years, part of a generation of young local men who travelled across the water to Scotland to earn a living. He travelled around working for engineering firms and landed in Middlesborough in the mid 60’s.

Like many of his contemporaries, he carried with him a strong work ethic and a deep pride in the place he called home. It was in Middlesborough he met his future wife, Linda Douglas and they married in 1966 and they had three children, Maryann, Paul and Jane.

Michael Doohan

Settling in Scotland, Michael quickly became known as a hardworking and dependable man who never shirked a day’s labour. Though life brought him far from his beloved Curransport, the spirit of this area was never far from his heart.
He worked until his 60’s enjoying holidays with his wife and family to Scotland and Ireland.

In the past three years he needed 24 hour care and support and had lived during the past two years in Delmere Lodge.
He was a lovely family man and loved his children and grandchildren. His kindness, warmth and quiet strength touched everyone who knew him.

Michael was predeceased by his wife, Linda, his parents, and his brother, Jimmy Doohan.
He will be sadly missed by his daughters, Maryann (Nigel) and Jane (Mark), and son, Paul, his grandchildren, Chloe, Charlotte, Seán, and Liam, sister, Bridie, sister-in-law, Máire, brother-in-law, nephews and nieces and a wide circle of friends in Middlesborough and Curransport.

Michael’s funeral service took place on Thursday in St. Bede’s Teeside Crematorium.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

– Tommy Curran