Gortahork parish stunned by three deaths in days

Fr. SeanO’Gallchoir, P.P., Gortahork

PEOPLE in the parish of Gortahork have expressed their shock and sadness at the deaths of three parishioners and the circumstances of the tragedies.
Gortahork parish priest Fr Sean O’Gallchoir, said the community “is just in shock and numbed by what has happened” following the recent deaths of Mary Cannon, An Caiseal, Seamus MacGeidigh, Ardsbeg and Mary O’Leary, Gortahork village.
Mrs Cannon, An Caiseal, passed away last week following a serious car accident while on a holiday with her family in Spain. She was in her ealy seventies.
Mr MacGeidigh (54) died suddenly while out for a walk near his home on Monday evening while Mrs O’Leary (57) also passed away this week after an illness which she bore with great courage and dignity.
Fr O’Gallchoir said words could not express how people were feeling. “We’re just devastated and I’m sure this feeling of devastation will linger for a long time”.
“The three lived in adjoining townlands within one mile of one another. It’s truly shocking,”he added.
The funerals of Mr MacGeidigh and Mrs O’Leary will take place in Christ the King Church, Gortahork, this afternoon, Friday, at 12 noon and 3pm respectively. A date has yet to be set for Mrs Cannon’s funeral.
Mr MacGeidigh of Ardsbeg had been working with Raidió na Gaeltachta since 1988, and was manager of its northwest service, based in the Derrybeg studio, since 2004. He is survived by his wife Dolores, his children Éadaoin, Dónal and Póilín, relatives and friends.
Mrs O’Leary worked as a Special Needs Assistant in Gortahork for the past ten years. Married to Conal, the couple have two daughters Eibhlín and Sorcha and one son Conal. Mary, who had Motor Neurone Disease, is also survived by her mother Mrs Sarah Duggan, her brother and sisters.
Mary Cannon, An Caiseal, passed away last week following a serious car accident while on a holiday with her family in Spain. Predeceased by her husband Danny two years ago, she is survived by her sons Michael and Josie, daughter Brid, brothers Packie, Alfie, Josie, Tony, Christy, Danny and Eddie, sisters Bridie and Kathleen

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