Letterkenny publican Raymond Blake has been remembered as a big-hearted man who lived for his family, friends and his love of sport.
The 56-year-old businessman was laid to rest at Conwal Cemetary this afternoon following his funeral mass at St Eunan’s Cathedral.
Hundreds of mourners packed into the church to say a final farewell to the larger-than-life character who touched the lives of so many.
Among the many people who attended Raymond’s funeral was figures from the world of sport, politics and business as well as members of the Letterkenny public whom Raymond was very much part of.
His beloved St Eunan’s GAA club formed a guard of honour as Raymond was taken the short distance up Church Lane from his home on the town’s Main Street.
Chief celebrant Fr Damien Nejad recalled Raymond’s love of sport including St Eunan’s but also his beloved Manchester Utd.
He told on one occasion in 1999 when Manchester Utd took on Bayern Munich in Barcelona.
With no direct flights to Barcelona, Raymond instead booked a flight via Lourdes but had to stop off to say some prayers as his late dad Harry would never have forgiven him if he didn’t make an effort!
Among the chief mourners at the funeral was Raymond’s brothers Joe, Kevin and David and sister Ita.
Local musician Declan Nee provided the moving music.
As Raymond was led out of the church, a spontaneous burst of applause rang out from mourners which rippled down Market Square.
Members of St Eunan’s again gave Raymond a guard of honour down the Main Street of the town he loved so well while other members of the club stood silently outside O’Donnell Park as the tricolour flew at half-mast.
He was laid to rest a short time ago at Conwal Cemetary, a short distance out the road from the beloved GAA club he was so much a part of.
Rest in peace Raymond.
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