Pat Shovelin’s coffin arrives at Doneyloop church.
HUNDREDS of people gathered in St Columba’s Church, Doneyloop, this morning for the funeral of Donegal GAA goalkeeping coach Pat Shovelin.
Father-of-two Mr Shovelin passed away on Saturday following a battle with cancer.
As county goalkeeping coach, Pat Shovelin was a key part of Jim McGuinness’s backroom team when he guided Donegal to All-Ireland victory in 2012.
Originally from Portnoo, he had lived in Doneyloop for several years along with his wife Chrissie and their two children, five-year-old Ethan and 22-month-old Tom.
He worked in Letterkenny University Hospital where he was employed as records manager.
This morning, Mr Shovelin’s remains were led to St Columba’s Church draped in his beloved Donegal colours. As his coffin was carried to the altar, the Sam Maguire Cup was placed alongside it.
Following Requiem Mass led by Doneyloop Parish Priest Fr Michael Doherty, Pat Shovelin’s remains were carried from St Columba’s Church and taken to St Conal’s Graveyard, Kilclooney in his native Portnoo.
He is survived by his wife Chrissie, sons Ethan and Tom, mum Margaret, sister Susie, brothers Michael and Gavin and wider family circle.