19 October 2006 Edition

Resize: A A A Print

Fógraí bháis

Paddy McDonald

Joe Whelan

A deep sense of sadness and loss was felt in republican ranks around Kilnalek, County Cavan at the recent death of a comrade and loyal friend, Joe Whelan at the early age of 54 years. Joe joined the freedom struggle in 1971 and soon proved himself worthy of the respect and trust of all who worked with him. His bright and cheerful personality and sober intelligence inspired the morale needed to take on unionist oppression and the cowardly but powerful collaboration south of the border.

Gifted with an inventive and enquiring mind and personal bravery, Joe was not found wanting whenever a plan was needed. Soon the minions and apologists of English occupation and injustice in Ireland found the weight of his blow. Joe risked his all for seven years or so. He was never detected which is a tribute and measure of the fine, solid young man he was, with a ready smile for all he met.

In 1978, Joe moved on to work at the building trade in Germany for four years. He returned to Dublin and got married to Sheila. Devoted to his children, he and they visited his old home in Drumloman frequently to meet the neighbours, go fishing or beekeeping and catch up with former comrades for a convivial night.

Typically he bore his last illness with great fortitude for two years. Just three weeks before his death did the awful news reach his friends and neighbours that Joe was afflicted with cancer and preparing for death with the same resolution and planning of the old days.

A guard of honour formed up when his remains arrived at Drumkilly chapel and a large crowd followed the coffin draped in the tricolour to his last resting place in the nearby cemetery.

The Republican Movement extend sincere sympathy to his wife Sheila, his mother Sheila, children Georgina, Oliver and Vincent, brother Colin and sister Moira, relatives and friends in their grievous loss.

Go ndéanfaidh Dia trócaire ar a anam dílís.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated for Joe in Drumkilly at 7.30pm Saturday, 28 October.

Paddy McDonald

The death occurred recently of lifelong republican, Paddy McDonald. Born in Enniscorthy, County Wexford in 1935 Paddy, affectionately known to his friends as 'The Old Hawk', was laid to rest on Slaneyside on 6 October.

Paddy could best be described as a GAA fanatic, filling roles as a player, mentor, umpire, referee and a member of numerous committees. Hurling men from all over Leinster came together to show their respect and regard for a true Gael.

Paddy was a hardworking member of the Fr. Murphy/Keegan/Parle Cumann, Sinn Féin, Enniscorthy and it was returning from a cumann meeting on 3 October that Paddy was taken ill.

As well as his interests in GAA and pigeon racing, Paddy's other great love was Irish music, particularly the late Luke Kelly.

Deepest Sympathy is extended to sons Anthony, Lar, Par and daughter Geraldine and extended family.

BY

RAY KEOGH

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland