THE funeral took place yesterday in his native Ballyshannon of the former County Manager of Donegal County Council, Michael McLoone.

Mr McLoone, who was also a highly decorated former Donegal GAA footballer, died on Sunday morning in Ballyshannon Community Hospital.

His passing has been met with deep sadness among his many former colleagues within Donegal County Council, and those who knew him from political and sporting life.

A warm and engaging man, Mr McLoone retired as County Manager in July 2010 but his knowledge and experience in public life ensured that he would continue to serve with different boards, community groups and organisations after his retirement.

He was County Manager for 16 years and was always highly regarded by elected councillors and council staff.

Donegal County Council paid its own tribute, saying Mr McLoone was a dedicated and passionate leader who made a lasting impact on the county.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Paul Canning, was among those to pay tribute

“As County Manager, Michael made a significant contribution to life in Donegal. The decentralisation of offices resulted in a network of public service centres across the county, bringing democracy into the heart of local communities.”

The Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John G. McLaughlin, said: “I worked under the leadership of Michael on the Senior Management Team for a period of almost ten years. I recall his drive and determination for change, all of which resulted in the better delivery of services to the citizens of our county.”

In his younger years, Mr McLoone was a talented Gaelic footballer playing with the St. Joseph’s club and also Donegal.

He famously scored two goals as St. Joseph’s defeated Dunmore McHale’s to win the All-Ireland club championship final of 1968.

It was one of the high points of a footballing career that also saw him win three Ulster U21 titles in 1963, ‘65 and ‘66 as well as Ulster Minor League titles and three Donegal Senior Championship titles with St. Joseph’s.

A brilliant forward, Michael also represented Ulster and was part of a Donegal team long considered to be one of the best to have ever represented the county.

Former playing friends from his time with St Joseph’s and Donegal, and former colleagues from Donegal County Council were among the large congregation at yesterday morning’s funeral mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballyshannon. Interment took place afterwards in the Abbey Assaroe Cemetery.

Mr McLoone was predeceased by his parents, Philip and Kathleen McLoone and his brother, Philip.

He is survived by his loving wife, Imelda, his sons, Michael, David, Philip and daughter, Caroline, his daughters in-law, Elaine, Aoife and Louise, son-in-law, Noel. Adored by his grandchildren, Aaron, Kate, Daniel, Nicole, Emily and Conall, brothers, Peter (and Liz), Paul (and Marie) and sister, Catherine, nieces, nephews and all his extended family and friends.