Funeral takes place of Barney McMonagle, Letterkenny

LAST year, in the days after his beloved St Eunan’s GAA club won the Donegal Senior Championship, Barney McMonagle featured on the front page of the Donegal News.

The photograph captured a delighted Barney holding the Dr Maguire Cup which was brought to his home at 2 Hawthorn Heights by team captain Kieran Tobin.

It was a proud moment for Barney.

He had spent many days watching games involving St Eunan’s and when free time allowed, much of it was spent at O’Donnell Park where he helped care for the pitches and looked after the general upkeep of the grounds.

His contribution to the club was highlighted at his funeral Mass on Monday by Monsignor Kevin Gillespie who said it was fitting that many club members were there in St Eunan’s Cathedral to say a final farewell to their good friend.

His passing on Friday last was met with sadness among those who knew Barney.

Mgr. Gillespie recalled how Barney had lost his parents at a young age and began working on the farm of his aunt and uncle, the Callaghans, on the Port Road.

“His chores in those young days involved bringing milk all over the town,” he said.

“Barney never hid his delight at being sent the way of the Convent by the late Fr Eoghan O’Frighill who let him know that the caretaker’s position was coming up.

“Barney got the job and was thrilled to have every Sunday off. It meant he could attend the GAA matches and indulge his total loyalty to St Eunan’s.”

He would later take up a similar position at the old Tech on Ard O’Donnell before the school moved to Knocknamona, becoming Errigal College.

“There was nothing that Barney and his great colleague Pat Mullen couldn’t solve or figure out in the school which must have meant a lot at a time when money was tighter for running and maintaining schools.

“Rose, the secretary, kept the school moving and her visits up until recently were appreciated by Barney.”

Mgr Gillespie also spoke of Barney’s love for his family.

“He was blessed to have met and to have married Rosemary McElwee and they formed a close and committed marriage that was immensely collaborative and supportive,” he said.

“Their family was raised to be hard working, fair and honest and to have faith in the practice of their religion.

“And just as they had the happy routine of getting home from the convent and the college for their lunch which was so much a feature of all the families who lived within walking distance of the schools only a short time ago, so now their own children would have the same habit – all able to come home at lunchtime and to enjoy some good food, a bit of warmth and comfort, before returning to class.

And Barney in particular always wanted to know what was going on in their lives.

It was a joy to both Barney and Rosemary who were simply mad about their grandchildren.”

Barney’s love of Mass, and his faith, were also recalled by Mgr Gillespie who said Barney, for many years, had attended the Adoration Chapel beside St. Eunan’s Cathedral every Sunday evening.

“His friends will miss him greatly and will think of him and refer to him for many years to come,” Mgr Gillespie added.

Following Mass, burial took place in Conwal Cemetery.

Barney was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Ann, wife, Rosemary, brothers, John and Jimmy and sisters, Mary and Kitty.

He is deeply regretted by his family, daughters, Siobhan Franklin (Bob), Roisín McMonagle and husband Eamon McGranaghan; sons, Donal (Olive), Brendan (Kathleen) Brian (Pauline); grandchildren, Ruth, Shane, David, Aoibhín, Mark and Chloe, brothers, Frankie and Patrick, sisters, Lena and Celine, relatives, in-laws, extended family, neighbours and many friends.