By Harry Walsh
THE tight-knit communities of south-west Donegal will come together tomorrow afternoon as two young local men are laid to rest in Kilcar and Carrick.
Jamesie Maloney (38) of Aughera, Carrick, died suddenly at his home in Perth on Saturday, January 25, while John Campbell (28), Castlecairn, Kilcar, passed away following a tragic accident at his home on Tuesday night.
Fr Eddie Gallagher, Parish Priest, Kilcar, and formerly PP in nearby Carrick said the two communities had been left ‘numb’ by the tragedies.
“I know both families very well and it’s hard to find the right words to express what they’re going through at this time,” Fr Gallagher said.
John Campbell (28) died when the car he was working on fell on him shortly before 9pm on Tuesday night. While efforts were made to revive him he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Married to Noelle, nee Jones, the couple have three young children Evan, Mia and Eva.
John is the son of Finn Harps Secretary John Campbell, a former Chairman of the Ballybofey club, and Helena. He has one brother Gavin and a sister, Claire.
Mr Campbell will be buried tomorrow afternoon following funeral mass at 12 noon in St Cartha’s Church, Kilcar.
Meanwhile, the remains of Jamesie Maloney arrived at Dublin Airport on Wednesday morning. Jamesie died in Perth on Saturday morning, January 25. He had been home with his family at Christmas and had only returned to Australia on January 10.
A talented sportsman in his teenage years, Jamesie scored the winning point for the U16 Naomh Columba team who won the club’s last County A title in 1992.
‘Always had a smile’
Mr Maloney attended Carrick National School and Carrick Vocational School. He worked in Dublin for a number of years before emigrating to Australia eighteen months ago where he was working in building and office renovations and renewals.
“He really was a nice fella. He always had a smile of his face and everybody was his friend. He was a real larger than life character,” one former team mate remembered.
He is survived by his parents, Paddy and Kathleen Maloney, and his brother Robert and his sister Mary Josephine, and his fiancée Kathryn McNamara from Achill Island.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr Francis McAteer, PP, tomorrow at 12 noon, in St Columba’s Church, Carrick with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
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