There are some people whose lives become woven into the very fabric of a community and Con Doherty (Condy Eoghain Eoin) of Magheragallon was one of them.
He could be described as a legend.
Originally from Magheraclogher, he spent a number of his early years hired out on Gola Island and attended the island national school.
Like so many of his generation, he went to work overseas, spending many years in Scotland, England and Wales. A hard and diligent worker, he spent many years working underground and was one of the Tunnel Tigers. He possessed a remarkable work ethic, never afraid of long hours.
He met his future wife, Annie Dhiarmaide McCole, in the former Errigal View Hotel, Derrybeg where she worked and they were married in March, 1973.
He was an accomplished fisherman who knew the local waters as well as anyone, fishing for salmon and lobsters. He was also recognised as one of the district’s finest sheepmen.
Sport was another of Condy’s great passions. He followed the fortunes of CLG Ghaoth Dobhair with unwavering loyalty and was equally proud whenever the Donegal county team took to the field. Among the gifts representing his life brought to the altar at his funeral Mass was a football jersey.
Con Doherty (Condy Eoghain Eoin).
Away from work and sport, he possessed a wonderful love of music. Rebel songs including ‘Kevin Barry’ were among his favourites. They reflected his deep love of Ireland, its history and its people.
Above everything else he will be remembered as a family man, a loyal friend to many and a true son of Gaoth Dobhair.
Funeral Mass took place on Saturday in the Sacred Heart Church, Dunlewy with burial afterwards in Magheragallon Cemetery.
The celebrant was Fr. Brian Ó Fearraigh and he was assisted by Fr. Seán Ó Gallchóir.
Items representing Con’s life were brought to the altar by his great-grandchildren, Conal, Diarmaid, Cassie and Molly. The lessons were read by Bronagh and Annita. The prayers of the faithful were read by Emma, Conal, Catherine, Mícheál, Catherine and Michael.
The offertory gifts were brought to the altar by Catherine and Emma. The singers were Eileen Sweeney and Tara Doherty. Eileen also performed on the tin whistle and Pat Duffy was on the guitar. At the end of the mass the sad ballad ‘Thíos Cois na Trá’ was sung by Connie Mhary Mhicí Gallagher.
Con was predeceased by his wife, Annie, daughter, Bríd, son, Dermott, brothers and sister.
He will be sadly missed by his daughters, Catriona and Annette (Hugo), sons, Mícheál (Neasa) and Connie (Michelle), daughter-in-law, Julie, sister, Sile Boyle (London), brother, Owen Doherty (Swindon), in-laws, 11 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and extended family and many friends.
Go ndéarna Dia trócaire ar a anam uasal.
– Tommy Curran