by Tommy Curran

There was widespread sadness at the death of Miss Maria Doherty, Magheraclogher, Derrybeg which occurred at Letterkenny University Hospital at the weekend.

A member of a well known and highly respected family, she celebrated her 51st birthday on Friday, August 15.

A daughter of the late Hughie Chití Tim Doherty and the late Mary Doherty, she had been ill for the past few years. She touched countless lives with her vibrant spirit and has left behind beautiful memories.

Maria was known for her kindness, warmth, and brought joy into the lives of everyone around her. Her beautiful smile, generosity, laughter and unwavering love will forever remain in the hearts of her family, friends and community. Though her time with us was far too short, her impact was immeasurable.

She spent seven years working in Chicago where she had made many friends some of whom travelled to Gaoth Dobhair for her funeral. After the death of her mum, Mary she returned home and she had worked in Naolann Ghaoth Dobhair and a Creche in Letterkenny. During this time she made many friends who are devastated at her passing. She was a keen interest Gaelic football and a true supporter of both the Gaoth Dobhair and County teams.

Her concelebrated Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Dunlewey on Monday. The sound of a lone bagpipe player echoed through the church as the remains were coming into the church. The church was packed to capacity for the mass. The main celebrant was her friend, Fr. Brian Ó Feraraigh, P.P., and was assisted by Fr. Seán Ó Gallchóiir, and Fr. Pádraig Ó Baoighill. Canon Michael Herrity was in the congregation. At the beginning of the mass. Martin McHugh, Glasgow a family friend delivered a reflection and he thanked everyone from far and near who attended the wake and funeral and all the support to the family at this sad time. He said he has been coming to Gaoth Dobhair for 35 years and he described Maria as the best hugger in the world and a wonderful young woman.

In his homily Fr. Brian said Maria was born on the Feast Day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and her funeral is taking place on the Feast Day of her birth. He added ‘Maria had the gift of making strangers feel like friends and friends feel like a family. People from far and near knew Maria. She was a woman of deep love, a woman of wide friendships and a soul who bore great sufferings quietly in her own way but did that with courage and grace’.

He said the large gathering present reflected the high esteem in which Maria and her family are held with people from as far afield as Chicago, Canada, London, Glasgow and from many parts of Ireland in attendance.

Fr. Brian added that she had a heart that resonated deeply with music especially the music of the rock band Coalplay. She was a devoted fan and the words of their songs were prayers and reflection of her own journey as well. He quoted a verse from one of their songs titled ‘We Pray’

Pray that we make it to the end of the day,

and so we pray, I know somewhere that Heaven is waitin’

And so we pray, I know somewhere there’s something amazin’

And so we pray, I know somewhere we’ll feel no pain

Until we make it to the end of the day.

Fr. Brian concluded and said: “Maria was full of kindness and laughter but was full of mischief as well. Her funeral took place afterwards to Magheragallon cemetery and was laid to rest in a plot alongside her mother, Mary.”

She will be sadly missed by her loving father Hughie, sister Jacqueline Doherty, brother Anthony, sister-in-law Maureen Gallagher Doherty, nephew Ryan and extended family and many friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dilis.