There is profound sadness in the Letterkenny community following the passing of iconic local businessman Jimmy Dillon.
Mr Dillon, of Magherennan and formerly of Roscommon, ran the popular Dillon’s Supermarket on the Main Street.
The supermarket was a mainstay of the town for many years, where a warm welcome and great deals were guaranteed. Dillon’s Hotel now stands in its place, so-named in recognition of the heritage of the family-run store.
Tributes to Jimmy remember him as a great boss and a great neighbour.
“Letterkenny has lost a man who was a community leader in the town for many years,” said Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh.
“Jimmy made a huge contribution to Letterkenny. Dillon’s shop on Main Street was really the first supermarket in Letterkenny. It was the hub of the town and Jimmy was central to that business. He contributed a lot to the local community and was very involved in the economic development of the town.
“My sincere sympathies to his wife Mary and to all the Dillon family,” Cllr Kavanagh said.
Toni Forrester, on behalf of the Letterkenny Chamber, said: “Jimmy was a strong businessman of the town. He was one of the founding members of the Chamber and was involved over a number of years.
“Dillon’s was a real centre point of Letterkenny main street and the business still resonates with anybody who lives in Letterkenny. The name has been retained at Dillon’s Hotel as an important feature of Letterkenny. Everybody has such fond memories of the store.
“Our condolences go to the entire Dillon family.”
Obituary:
The death has occurred of James (Jimmy) Dillon of Magherennan, Letterkenny, formerly Kiltoom Co. Roscommon.
A loving husband, father and grandfather, James (Jimmy) is predeceased by his children Patrick and Louise and is survived by his loving wife Mary Dillon (née Mullany), Magherennan, Letterkenny formerly of Enagh, Croghan Boyle, Co. Roscommon, his children : Anne and husband Klaus (Tralee, Co.Kerry), Michelle and husband Martin (Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny), Christina and husband Simon (Bangor, Co. Down), James and wife Sheila (Knocknacarra, Co. Galway), Rosaleen and husband Brendan (Boston, USA), Ronan and wife Elaine (Sutton, Dublin), Kevin and wife Nicole (Boston, USA), Karl and wife Maggie (London), Paul and wife Mary (Letterkenny, Co. Donegal), Christopher and wife Claudia (Valencia, Spain) and his 23 adoring grandchildren, his siblings Francis (Blackrock, Dublin) and Bernard (Letterkenny).
Reposing at his late residence in Magherennan from 12 noon until 9pm on Thursday, 28th July and from 12 noon until 9pm on Friday, 29th July. Family time only please on the morning of the funeral.
Funeral from his home on Saturday, 30th July, going to the Church of the Irish Martyrs, Ballyraine, for Requiem Mass at 10.30am which can be viewed online by using the following link: http://www.facebook.com/irishmartyrs. Interment afterwards in Conwal Cemetery. Funeral cortege via Main Street. Family flowers only please, donations, if wished, to the Donegal Branch of the Irish Kidney Association c/o Paschal Blake, Funeral Director, Stoney Arch, New Line Rd., Letterkenny.
