The community of Coa has been deeply saddened by the passing of one of the area’s most popular residents.

Aidan Donnelly (65) late of Cavantillycormick, Coa passed away peacefully on May 14, 2021. Aidan was an incredibly popular personality in Coa and his family led tributes to the “happy contented wee chap".

His sister-in-law Anne Donnelly spoke on behalf of the family on Aidan’s early life.

She said: “Aidan was born on July 31, 1955 to Susan and Jim Donnelly. He was the youngest of seven children; Brigeen, Rosaleen, Seamus, Fintan, and Eamon and Eithne who both died in infancy.

The family said: “When his mother Susan passed away in 1977, he went to live full time with his brother Seamus and sister-in-law Anne.

Speaking of his personality, they said: “He had a mischievous sense of humour, full of fun and left a lasting impression on all he came into contact with.”

Aidan attended Killadeas Adult Centre later Lackaboy Day Centre and the Strule Erne, Irvinestown.

The family added: “He was treated with so much love and affection [in these centres].

“Playing the mouth organ was second nature to him joining in with Seamus Doris, Gerry Quinn and Aidan McCullagh at Friday music sessions at Strule Erne brought him great happiness.”

Aidan was heavily involved in community life and it was Aidan who was chosen in 1999 to reopen the Coa Community Centre. His family shared this fond memory and added: “He was a proud wee man when he cut the tape to reopen Coa Community Centre.”

The Coa Community Hall was central to Aidan’s 60th Birthday celebrations when friends, family and neighbours joined with him to celebrate his milestone birthday. His family added: “Coa hall was packed to capacity.”

He will be remembered fondly by all of his family and friends who said: “Aidan was a happy contented wee chap in his life and he is now gone to his heavenly home.”

Aidan’s funeral mass took place at St Mary's Church, Coa on May 17, 2021. The service was taken by Canon John McKenna and Fr Denis Dolan. Family, friends, and neighbours gathered at the church and on route to pay their respects to Aidan. Aidan was laid to rest in the adjoining churchyard. Funeral arrangements were carried out by John McKeegan.

Aidan is survived by his sister Rosaleen (Patsy), brothers Seamus (Anne) and Fintan. He was predeceased by his siblings; Brigeen, Eithne and Eamon, his brother-in law Jimmy and sister-in-law Rita. He is survived by his nieces and nephews; Sandra, Ronan, Lorcan and Patricia.