Martina Rafferty’s “glittering” career has been remembered as “only one face of the diamond”.
The funeral Mass of the much-loved Falcarragh lady took place today in St Fionan’s Church.
Martina passed away unexpectedly at her home in Newton, Falcarragh on Sunday, August 23.
Father John Boyce began by extending his condolences to Martina’s family and friends who came together on Sunday, as well those who joined from Australia and all corners of the world, via webcam.
Fr Boyce said: “On an occasion like this, there is absolutely no right thing to say, because words will never take away the grief that those who are close to Martina are suffering right now.
“But I do hope that I’ll be able to say a few things that give some hope in darkness.”
Fr Boyce recalled how Martina was a premature baby, and that this seems to have led her to becoming “someone who was always going to be ahead of the posse” and “someone who would always stand out in front”.
After completing her secondary education, Martina went to Killybegs hospitality and catering college. She then began a work placement in Kee’s Hotel, Stranorlar, which Fr Boyce said launched her career in hospitality, adding, “My Gosh, What a career it was”.
He added that Martina’s “remarkable and glittering” career in hospitality was “only one face of the diamond”.
Martina loved to travel and visited many places including Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Gora.
“And then there were the sports”, Fr Boyce continued, “the bungee jumping, skydiving, surfing.
“And she was a great tin whistle player and a fiddler.
“With such an outgoing and attractive personality, she was bound to become somebody’s catch.
“Gavin was the lucky man, and in 2013, they were married here in Falcarragh.
“She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, colleague and manager, who had not only deep love for the people in her family and the people who were close to her, but she also was noted for the respect that she had for the staff who worked under her and the pride that she took in their work.”
The funeral Mass was concelebrated by the Parish Priest, Very Rev John Boyce, and co-concelebrated by Father Seán Ó Gallchóir, Very Rev Martin Doohan of Dunfanaghy, Rev John Joe Duffy and Father John Carroll of Glasgow.
After the Mass, Martina was laid to rest in St Fionan’s cemetary.
In the days since Martina passed, tributes have been pouring in online from former colleagues and friends.
The Waterfront Hotel, which she joined as Sales and Marketing Manager in 2017, and worked as General Manager from 2018 to 2025, has paid tribute to Martina, describing her as someone with “boundless enthusiasm and vibrant glow”.
They said: “She will be sadly missed by our clients who Martina had left a resonating impression upon and her work colleagues who are just devastated at her passing.”
Donegal Tourism have also expressed their sadness, and described her as a “passionate advocate for Donegal and a true ambassador for our tourism sector”.
They added that she worked tirelessly to promote Donegal, “championing Donegal’s people, places, businesses, and communities with enthusiasm, pride, and unwavering commitment”.
John McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council and Chair of Donegal Tourism CLG said: “Martina brought energy, vision, and dedication to everything she did. She firmly believed in the power of collaboration and understood that by working together, we could achieve far more than we ever could alone.”
Garry Martin, Deputy Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, added: “Martina’s contribution to tourism in Donegal was immense and far-reaching.
“She was a passionate and enthusiastic advocate and someone who always championed the strengths of our county and the very best of Donegal with great pride.
“Her positivity, generosity and commitment to promoting Donegal inspired many people across the tourism sector.
“Martina leaves behind a remarkable legacy, and she will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of working with her.”
She will be sadly missed by her husband Gavin, son Eli, parents; John Joe and Mary Teresa, sister Maggie (Paddy), brother Shane (Meg), nieces; Laura and Róisín, nephews; Shaun and Johnny and extended family and friends.