By Dionne Meehan

A BUNCRANA mechanic who lost his life in a workplace accident last week has been remembered for having the kindest soul and the most generous heart at his requiem Mass.

Martin McCallion, of Lisnakelly, Buncrana, sustained serious injuries in an incident at a haulage transportation company in the town last Thursday.

Emergency services were called to the scene, and Mr McCallion was transferred to Letterkenny University Hospital.

However, he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday morning.

Requiem Mass took place on Thursday morning in St Mary’s Church, Cockhill, where hundreds gathered to say a final goodbye to the well-known father of four.

Best known for his work as a mechanic, Mr McCallion worked in Desmond’s in Derry and Bradley’s in Buncrana, to name a few.

At the start of the Mass, Mr McCallion’s daughter Joanne delivered a heartfelt eulogy.

She remembered her father as a devoted husband, a beloved father and grandfather, a caring son, a kind brother and uncle, a trusted colleague, a loyal friend and the biggest take-a-hand.

“Daddy loved life; he lived for his family, his wife, his children, his grandchildren and his golf on a Sunday,” she said.

“Nothing was ever a bother for daddy, the kindest soul with the most generous heart; he would have literally given you the shirt of his back.

“It would probably have been black rotten with oil, but he would still have given it to you if you needed it.

“Daddy didn’t care about material things, memories were the most important thing to him, spending time together and living in the moment.

“He loved telling a story and a very good story teller he was too.”

Following her father’s sudden passing, Joanne said wonderful stories and lovely new memories were recalled during his wake.

“He was a simple man, no bells, no whistles, no bows, no frills, what you saw is what you got,” she said.

“If daddy was here, he would tell you all ‘tomorrow isn’t promised, you can’t take it with you, so live life, make new memories, see new places and maybe buy a scratch card or two along the way’.

“Ironically, he told others to slow down, take it easy, when he himself was going through life at 100 miles per hour.

“But you can slow down now daddy; you can take it easy for once.

“Don’t be fixing everyone’s car up there.”

Speaking on behalf of her family, Joanne thanked everyone for their huge outpouring of prayers, love, kindness and support over this last week.

“A special word of thanks to the paramedics, doctors and nurses of Letterkenny University Hospital who worked so hard to try and save daddy,” she said.

“Daddy fought so hard to try and stay with you all and you all hold a special place in his heart.”

Joanne brought her eulogy to a close by reciting a heartfelt poem in memory of her father.

Following Mass, burial took place in the adjoining graveyard.

Mr McCallion is the beloved husband of Martina (née Walker), much loved father of Joanne (Shane), Christopher (Roberta), Jennifer (Anthony) and Mark, loving son of Anna and Barney, and dear brother of Enda, Gareth, Patrick and Brian.

He is deeply regretted and will be forever missed by his loving wife, daughters, sons, mother, father, brothers, grandchildren, wider family circle and friends.