The news of the death last Wednesday, November 15, of 95 year old Irvinestown man William (Willie) McDonnell, late of Drumgivery, has been received with great sadness.

Willie, described as ‘a sound man’, passed away on what would have been the day of his late brother James’ 104th birthday. James died on February 1, 2016, aged 102.

Willie, who was born at Drumgivery, Ederney, had been in declining health for the past three months. A farmer throughout his life, he was the last surviving sibling in a family of seven - four sons and three daughters.

A popular figure, he had always enjoyed ceilidhing at the homes of his neighbours and friends.

A member of the Irvinestown community, paying tribute this week to the well-known nonagenarian, said that “for decades and long before social media, Willie always ensured that his home was naturally a cross community venue for friends and neighbours who enjoyed his company, food, craic, and of course music, as he regaled them with stories and anecdotes from a bygone era.”

He added: “He had a great love for the flora and fauna of the countryside especially the distinctive rocks close to his home which truly represented his strength and endurance. For decades he spared no effort in helping all his neighbours with a variety of farming tasks including days in the bog and hayfields plus numerous other tasks during a time when it was all manual work with no machinery.”

He acknowledged that “Willie loved life on the family farm and took great care of all his animals. It was amazing and appropriate as he returned to repose at his home that a number of animals gathered at the side of the lane seemingly to pay their respect. Incredibly on the day of his funeral as Willie left his home for the last time, the family Charolais bull stood in respectful silence at the hedge to watch the cortege leave. Willie will be be remembered as a sound man who loved his family and neighbours. Famous for his special smile, we may never see his likes again.”

A Requiem Mass for Willie, which was widely attended, was held in Sacred Heart Church, Irvinestown.

A Concelebrated Mass, it was celebrated by Fr. Frank McManus and Canon Michael McGourty. Burial followed in Irvinestown Cemetery.

The funeral arrangements were by Claude McKervey.

Willie is survived by his niece Marie McDonnell, nephews Seamus and Gerard McDonnell, and nephew Jimmy Maguire, and the wider family circle.

He also leaves his neighbours and friends.