Mr. John Donegan

Editorial Department • Published 24 Jun 2010 16:00

There was widespread shock and sadness at the news of the sudden death of John Donegan, 57 Windmill Heights, Enniskillen. John had been in reasonably good health until he took ill at home and passed away a few hours later.

John was born on June 24, 1936 to the late Hugh and Mary Donegan at Drumshemuck, Derrylin. He was educated at Derrylin Primary School and later at Drumbughas School when the family moved to live in Macken.

On leaving school he worked for Ernie Colvin in his fruit and vegetable shop in Enniskillen. He then worked on the construction of the Erne Hospital. Later John worked for some time in Birmingham where he lived with his sister Maggie. On returning to Fermanagh he took up lorry driving, working for several employers including McKenzie and Meehan, F.R. Cathcart and Sons and Northern Building Chemicals.

In July 1962 John married Maura Scallon from Kesh and they made their home in Enniskillen, living at Windmill Heights for the last 33 years. Sadly Maura died in August last year and her death left a great void in John's life.

His greatest passion in life was music. He was a talented musician and singer, forming his own small band namely John Donegan and the Swallows. This was a very popular group, playing at numerous venues in Fermanagh and further afield.

John was renowned for his great sense of humour and enjoyed having a joke and a laugh with family and friends. He always had a smile and a friendly word for everyone he met, young and old alike.

After he retired, John liked nothing better than doing odd jobs, not only at his own home but for the entire family circle.

He took great pride in his three grandsons and he enjoyed having them stay over in his home.

The high esteem in which John and his family are held was evident in the large number of people who called at the home and attended the funeral.

John's remains left his home on Monday, May 31 for Mass in St. Michael's and burial was in the Cross Cemetery. His funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. Martin O'Reilly, assisted by Fr. Michael McGourty, Irvinestown.

John was pre-deceased by his wife Maura and his brothers Benny and Frank. He is survived by his sons Eamon and John and daughters Edel and Brenda, daughter-in-law Siobhan, grandsons Gerard, Nathan and Shane. He is also survived by his brother Vincey (Maureen) and sisters Annie McKenzie (Brian) and Maggie Brown as well as a large family circle.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by John McKeegan, Funeral Director, Enniskillen.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 24 Jun 10

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