The late Patrick (Paddy) McMenamin.
By Dionne Meehan
THE funeral of Patrick (Paddy) McMenamin, Ard Crana and formerly of 35 Castle Avenue, Buncrana, took place yesterday in St Mary’s Church, Cockhill.
Mr McMenamin died after his car entered the water at Buncrana Pier on Sunday, May 19.
Describing this as an “unfortunate series of events”, Very Rev Francis Bradley said Mr McMenamin’s death was “untimely”.
“I say untimely because despite his 88 years, he was young at heart.
“He had kept himself fit as he walked to the shore at Lisfannon or made his daily visits to the pier.
“He didn’t look his age,” he said.
Originally from Castle Avenue, Mr McMenamin has been remembered as a hard worker, having worked numerous jobs throughout his lifetime.
Beginning his working life at Jim Fullerton’s Fruit and Veg Shop in Buncrana, soon he found himself in Manchester where he met his wife Molly McLaughlin.
It was there his first three sons were born, Denis, Shaun and Mark. Making the decision to return to Buncrana in 1973 after his mother passed away, it wasn’t long until his fourth son Michael came along.
Before leaving England, Mr McMenamin purchased an ice cream van. And for years later, he was known as Mr Whippy. Years later, Mr McMenamin left Buncrana once again to work further afield.
Moving to Germany, he worked on a site building nuclear facilities. But hard work wasn’t his only love, he also loved sport, especially football.
Following his Requiem Mass, burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.
Saddened by his passing are his wife Molly, sons, Denis, Sean, Mark and Michael, daughters-in-law Averil, Teresa and Breda, grandchildren Jamie, Jacqueline, Michelle, Sarah, Luke, Molly, Niamh and Conor, great -grandchildren and wider family circle and friends.
Anyone who was travelling in the vicinity of Buncrana Pier, Swilly Road and Shore Front between 6.30am and 7.30am on Sunday morning is asked to contact Buncrana Garda Station on 074 9320540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
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