The funeral mass of St Johnston crash victim, Patrick ‘Paddy’ Dooher, was to be a Mass of hope, not of despair.
Mr Dooher, aged 28, from Ballindrait, lost his life in a collision at Dundee last Thursday evening.
Despite the sadness and tragedy of the events, Clonleigh Parish Priest Fr Colm O’Doherty sought to spread seeds of hope among Paddy’s grief-stricken family and friends today.
Paddy, who would have celebrated his 29th birthday this January, was full of hope for the New Year, mourners heard.
He was a popular young man who was well-known by many in Derry and Donegal.
“He was a loving son, a loving brother, a loving boyfriend, a loving neighbour, a lovely friend and a loving parishioner,” Fr O’Doherty said
Hundreds of mourners lined the route from Paddy’s home at The Fields, Boyagh, to St Patrick’s Church this afternoon. A large number gathered in the church at Murlog, while Mass was also broadcast through speakers to a large socially-distanced crowd outside.
“This mass will be a message of hope,” Fr O’Doherty told mourners.
“Hope that, whilst the death of Patrick is such a shock, and causing such pain, the hope is that he is now being called to his eternal reward in Heaven. That is what we ask the Lord to help us keep in our hearts today.”
Fr O’Doherty recalled the awful call that came to Paddy’s family home on the night of the tragic accident.
“The eldest of four siblings, he was very much a local lad who was so proud of where he came from, Boyagh, The Fields.”
The Homily remembered Paddy’s love of farming, gardening, his care for detail and his family commitments as a big brother to his siblings, which he took very seriously. Paddy was a keen supporter of Manchester City, Glasgow Celtic and Deele Harps. The local team also held a guard of honour outside the church.
Paddy is survived by his parents, Jim and Mary, his sisters and brother Catherine, James and Lauren, his girlfriend Shannon, aunts, uncles, cousins and all his extended family and friends.
“He was a person, who, despite his own troubles from time to time, was a great help and a listener to those who needed a shoulder to unload some of their burdens,” Fr O’Doherty said.
“He was a very honest guy, he wasn’t embarrassed to express his feelings, especially to tell his family often how much he loved them and how much he appreciated their love for him in return.”
Fr O’Doherty said that Patrick was always looking forward to better days, particularly in 2022.
“Things were going to be better, personally for Patrick and for everyone around him. Sadly that was not to be in this life.”
Although Paddy has gone before his family and his friends, Fr O’Doherty called on his loved ones to treasure the memories they have.
“As long as you treasure those memories, he will always be in the crib of your loving hearts.”
Mr Dooher is the seventh person to die on Donegal’s roads in 2021.
Gardaí are continuing their appeal for witnesses to the fatal collision which occurred between a Peugeot and an Opel car on the R236 at Dundee, St Johnston on Thursday 30th December.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on 074 916 7100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
