There is widespread sadness across Buncrana, Inishowen and the entire county at the passing of former county councillor Dermot McLaughlin.
A real gentleman in all aspects of his life, Mr McLaughlin passed away yesterday after serving the people of Donegal for decades.
Dermot sat on numerous committees but all with the one goal – to make his community a better place.
Tributes have flowed in from a number of local bodies on which he served down through the years.
Among them was a touching tribute from the Wild Inishowen Club reflecting Dermot’s passion and preservation of local nature.
A spokesperson for the group said “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of our Chairman and dearest friend Dermot McLaughlin (Mr Inishowen).
“Dermot was the voice of Inishowen’s wildlife, he dedicated his life to the conservation and preservation of our precious wildlife.”
Inch Wildlife Reserve also paid their own tribute to Mr McLaughlin who was a retired wildlife ranger.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal Council Council and fellow Buncrana man, Cllr Jack Murray said Dermot had left a huge legacy behind him.
The Inishowen Development Partnership said: “It is with sadness that we learned today of the passing of our long-standing Board Member Dermot McLaughlin. Dermot served as an advocate for the community in many different roles over the years and will be missed.”
Mr McLaughlin also served on the Joint Policing Committee for many years as well as numerous other organisations.
Mr McLaughlin’s funeral will take place on Saturday, April at 10am at St Mary’s Oratory with burial afterwards in Cockhill cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
Pictures by kind permission of Joe Boland at Northwest Newspix.
