Sean O hAoine

Sean O hAoine, a native of Gleann Colm Cille, passed away at an advanced age at St Joseph's Hospital, Stranorlar Co Donegal in January.

Sean, who was a tailor by trade, was involved in many activities for the good of Gleann Colm Cille from the 1920s to the 1980s when his health began to fail. He devoted over 60 years of his life to the service of the community. He was very active in the GAA and served from local club involvement to county board level. Many Irish activities were to benefit from his dedication - including commemorations from local level to the annual Drumboe Commemoration.

His funeral, which was attended by a large number of mourners, took place on Thursday 23 January. Requiem mass was celebrated by Father Eddie Gallagher, who also officiated at the graveside service, which was conducted in Irish. Sean was a native Irish speaker.

Members of the local GAA club, Naomh Columba, provided a guard of honour. The coffin was draped with the club flag and the Tricolour. Francey Ruadh Cunningham, a prominent GAA member, gave an oration in Irish. This was followed by Frank Morris who was deeply involved with Sean in republican activities for almost 30 years.

Many organisations which Sean had served, including GAA, Gaelic League, Triconnaill Commemoration Committee, also attended. Among those present were Paddy McGill, Ardara who was a representative on Donegal GAA board with Sean, Seamus Rodgers, county councillor, Liam McElhinney and John McCluskey representing Tirconnaill Commemoration Committee, and John Travers who had worked with Sean at his trade. Amongst the numerous wreaths was one from Tirconnaill Commemoration Committee.

Sean is survived by two brothers, Michael in the USA and Peter and Kitty who live locally, and nephews and nieces.