TWO great Burtonport community servants were remembered on Saturday afternoon when plaques were unveiled in their memory in the community garden at the rear of the Burtonport Community Centre, writes Eoin McGarvey

John Mc Gee and Nora Houston died earlier this year just ten days apart. Nora, a former postwoman in the Burtonport area, passed away on April 8th, and John, a skilled tradesman, died on April 18th. Both had given great service to the Burtonport community and in particular to St. Columba’s Community Centre and its surrounds.

The event got underway in beautiful August sunshine with prayers from Fr Pat Ward PP before he blessed the plaques. John Mc Gee’s daughter Michelle and Nora Houston’s daughter Mary Ellen then came forward to unveil the individual plaques that bear photographs of both. Burtonport native Fr John Joe Duffy was also present.

Burtonport Community Centre staff with Michelle Mc Gee, Mary Ellen Houston and Fr Pat Ward at the plaque unveiling on Saturday afternoon.

David Alcorn of the Burtonport Community Centre told the Donegal News that both Nora and John had provided invaluable service to the area and to the community centre over the years, adding it is very fitting that they are both now remembered for their service.

Michelle Mc Gee unveils the plaque in memory of her father John in Burtonport on Saturday. (Photos: Eoin Mc Garvey)

“This is a very appropriate place where we are standing at the minute in the middle of this community garden. Both Nora and John gave 100 per cent support to this garden and its creation. Nora came up with the idea of the community garden here in an area that was just trees and bushes. We are working at this development for the past few years, and anything that’s in it, John’s hands were a part of it,” he said.

Mary Ellen Hyland unveils the plaque in memory of her mother Nora Houston on Saturday.

Mr Alcorn said it is only appropriate and fair that Nora and John, two great community people, be remembered here today.

“We remember Nora as a great community worker and John as a person on a CE scheme. It’s great the work the people on the CE schemes do, but John Mc Gee was someone exceptional and an outstanding tradesman,” he added.

Members of the McGee and Houston families were joined in the community centre after the unveiling by neighbours, friends, and members of the wider Burtonport area for refreshments.