There has been a huge outpouring of grief and sadness following the sudden passing of Shane Gillespie.
Shane, who was a teacher at PCC in Falcarragh, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday evening.
He lived at Keenaghan, Kilmacrennan with his loving wife Donna and the couple’s daughters Katie and Amy but was formally of Brookfield in Donegal Town.
Tributes are flowing in for Shane who was one of life’s true gentlemen both on and off the sportsfields of Donegal where he was hugely well-known in a variety of sports including rugby, gaelic and soccer.
A number of clubs which Shane played for down through the years have posted tributes to him.
His beloved Donegal Town Rugby Club said he was a friend and a role model to many.
“It’s with a heavy heart that the club would like to acknowledge the sudden passing of Shane Gillespie. Shane was a player, friend and role model who embodied everything good about our club.
“On the pitch, Shane inspired and raised the levels of every player who graced the field with him. His work ethic, ability and leadership made him one of the greatest players the club has ever produced.
“Off the pitch, he was a gentleman who lit up every room he entered with his wit and love for life. Words cannot do justice to the loss the club and all its members feel at this time. We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to his loving family, wife Donna, daughters Katie and Amy.
“His parents, Sean and Rose Gillespie, brothers Ronan and Patrick, and sister Gemma, as well as the wider Gillespie and Sweeney families. Shane will never be forgotten at ’The Holmes’ of Donegal, may he rest in peace.”
Four Masters GAA Club posted: “The club was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Shane Gillespie yesterday evening. Shane was an outstanding person of the highest character and was well-respected by all in the community.
“He always displayed great sportsmanship and competitive drive on the sporting field. Shane played for the club at all levels in football and hurling, winning county titles at numerous age groups in both codes at underage as well as winning a Senior Football Championship in 2003 with his brother Patrick.
“Shane also played for Donegal underage teams and at Vocational School level, captaining the County Minors in 2003. The club send our sincere sympathies and prayers to his wife Donna, his girls Katie and Amy, the Gillespie and Sweeney families, and his wide group of friends at this very difficult time.”
But Shane didn’t just play.
He also gave back to the man coaches who helped him along the way by himself becoming an underage coach at Kilmacrennan Celtic and Termon GAA club.
He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Donna, daughters Katie and Amy, parents Sean and Rosemarie, sister Gemma (Dave), brother Patrick (Sharon), Ronan (Aileen), mother-law Mary Sweeney, father-in-law James Sweeney, brothers-in-law Mark (Jill) and Owen, nieces and nephews Molly, Peadar, Sadie, Doireann and Oscar, friends, teammates, work colleagues and good neighbours.
Shane was predeceased by his grandparents Ned and Nora Brogan, Patsy and Kathleen Gillespie and his uncle Francie Brogan. His remains will be reposing at his late residence from 7pm, Monday, November 11. Funeral from there on Wednesday, November 13, at 10.30am going to St Agatha’s Church, Clar, Donegal Town, for 12 noon requiem mass, followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery. Funeral mass can be viewed here from St Agatha’s Church Clar.
The house is strictly private to family and close friends only please. Family flowers only please donations in lieu of flowers to Kilmacrennan, Termon, Gartan, Churchill and Trentagh Community First Responders Group.
