LETTERKENNY businessman Michael Dunne was remembered for living a full and fruitful life at his requiem Mass this morning.

Mr Dunne, of Illistrin, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in Letterkenny University Hospital on Tuesday, December 16.

His requiem Mass took place this morning in St Columba’s Church, Kilmacrennan.

Mr Dunne is the former owner of Dunne’s shop and fuel station in Illistrin.

In July 2021, he passed the reins to Gavin O’Donnell.

Speaking at his requiem Mass this morning, Mr Dunne’s nephew, Fr Paddy Dunne, said his uncle had lived life to the full.

“He was a man rich in love,” Fr Dunne said.

“A man who loved people, community, friendship, his faith and above all, his family.

“Michael was a family man.

“Michael wasn’t shy about telling you how proud he was of them, he loved them and often talked about how blessed he was to have such a beautiful family around him and looking after him.”

Fr Dunne then spoke of his uncle’s shop ‘Dunne’s of Illistrin’.

“I am not here to boast, but ‘Dunne’s of Illistrin’ was iconic for us growing up,” he said.

“It was the go-to shop.”

Fr Dunne said it was a family-run shop where everyone played their part.

“I always remember the 99 machine was a big one, with the flakes,” Fr Dunne said.

“That was flying out the door.”

Fr Dunne said his uncle never lost his love for everyone who worked in the shop.

“Michael never lost that love for everybody who worked in the shop, for the people that supplied and for the customers, right up until the very end.”

Mr Dunne was also a keen sportsman with a deep passion for all sports.

He was a member of Dunfanaghy Golf Club.

“He was a tough competitor,” Fr Dunne recalled.

“Oh boy, he liked to win.

“He was a member of Dunfanaghy and he travelled the world with golf, from Letterkenny to Spain, to Las Vegas.

“In later years he played golf as often as he could, nearly every day.

“He was the fittest old man I ever knew, and the youngest old man I ever knew.”

Mr Dunne also had a keen, sharp eye in snooker.

Later in life, the loss of Mr Dunne’s eyesight forced him to give up his passion.

“That was a tough one because Michael loved the outdoors,” Fr Dunne said.

“But he never allowed his loss of sight to define him.

“In fact, he was inspirational.”

After Mass, burial will take place in the adjoining cemetery.

Mr Dunne is predeceased by his parents Pat and Kate, his brother’s Denis, Paddy and John, and his sister Sr Mary.

He is deeply regretted by his devoted wife Margaret (née Harte), son Pauric (Clare) and daughters Mary (Craig), Kate (Kenny), Collette (Ali) and Helen (Gerry). He is fondly remembered by his brother Eddie, his 14 grandchildren, great grandson Caleb, nieces, nephews, extended family members, good neighbours and many friends.