THERE is huge sadness in Donegal sporting circles today following the sad passing of athletics stalwart Eamon Harvey.
The late Mr Harvey of Drimark, Donegal Town passed away surrounded by his loving family.
He is predeceased by his parents Paddy and Roseabell, his brother Jimmy and sisters Kathleen Pryal and Patricia Brennan.
Mr Harvey was hugely respected both in Donegal and further afield.
From his early days in school in Drimarone, athletics and sport were always to the forefront of his interests.
After graduating in Physical Education from Manchester University, Mr Harvey took up a teaching position at the then Donegal Town Vocational School (now Abbey Vocational School).
Acting as Assistant Principal for eleven years, he remained as their head of sport until he retired in 2006, before going to work on a professional basis with Athletics Ireland in the areas of Coach Education and Development, a time when the association had just gone professional.
Interests in Gaelic football and Basketball were also major influences in his life, but athletics was always the priority. He started coaching Irish juvenile teams before he moved up as Team Coach for the Olympics and Paralympics in Atlanta in 1996, where Paralympian Bridie Lynch won gold in the Women’s discus F12, with a further five bronze medals won in track and field events.
He was coach to the Para Ireland team at the next three Olympic Games with an 18 medal haul.
Despite being retired for almost two decades, he still had an influence at his local club, and seeing Laghey native and former Tír Chonaill athlete Kelly McGrory represent Ireland at the 2024 Olympics in Paris was one highlight of a distinguished coaching career.
In 2025, the Donegal Town Eamon Harvey 10km race (with a 5km family fun walk) was officially launched and named after him to celebrate his contribution to athletics and the local community.
Harvey has been commended by Athletics Ireland, receiving a Services to Coaching Award in 2018, and he was also inducted into the Ulster Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024 for his outstanding contribution and commitment to Athletics.
He was inducted into the Donegal Sports Star Awards Hall of Fame in January.
Mr Harvey is deeply regretted by his loving wife Jacqueline, his children; Camilla (Shane Quinn), Deirdre (Charles Martin), Michelle (Andrew Gallagher), Pauric (Patrice Rooney) and Louise, his adored grandchildren, Lauren, Oisín, Charlie, Darragh, Emma, Alannah, Katelyn and Páidí Joe, his brother Colm (Sheila), sister-in-law Kitty Harvey, brother-in-law Martin Pryal, nieces, nephews, and all his extended family and friends.
His remains will repose at Gallaghers Funeral Home, Station Road, Mountcharles, (F94 X02N) on Sunday 1st March from 2pm until 8pm, and Monday 2nd March from 3pm until 8pm.
Remains leaving his late residence on Tuesday 3rd March for Funeral Mass at 11am in St Mary’s Church, Killymard, (F94 C6T7), followed by interment in Clar cemetery.
Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu if so desired to the Oncology Unit, Letterkenny.
