Tributes paid to 'local legend' Seamus Doran

Tributes have been paid to a popular Dungiven man who passed away at the weekend.

Seamus Doran died peacefully in Altnagelvin Hospital on Sunday (September 10), aged 91.

The father-of-four was well known throughout County Derry and further afield for his work as a barber.

Seamus' late father Charlie had a barbers’ shop in Derry’s Waterside in the early 1900s before emigrating to New York after the first World War.

After returning to Ireland he set up the barbers’ shop in Dungiven.

Seamus started serving his time before his 12th birthday and he was still cutting hair into his early eighties.

In an interview with the County Derry Post several years ago, Seamus remarked on how 'times have changed now'.

“There are all these funny hair-cuts now,” he joked.  “A baldy side and an edge left around it.  Christ, if I had done that when I was serving my time, you would’ve been hunted out of the country.”

As well as a hiving barbers' shop back in the day, Seamus' front room of his house also doubled up as a shop selling sporting items.

“I started keeping a wee bit of fishing tackle and a bit of sports stuff.  The sports shop was the smallest in Europe,” Seamus told the County Derry Post back in 2019.

“People would’ve called from all around because there wasn’t any sports shops at that time.  There were people who called in coming from Belfast and bought hurling sticks.

“Boys saw me going out on bikes and were asking me if I sold bike tubes, pumps or tyres.  I got in touch with a few bicycle firms in Belfast and got a few things.”

In his younger years, Seamus played gaelic football for both Dungiven and Banagher. He was also an avid fisher. However, he is probably best known for his interest in cycling.

The North Derry man, who purchased his first racer at the age of 17, has cycled the length and breadth of Ireland over the years.

The dad and grandad took part in the Maracycle five or six times, the Inishowen 100, the Lagan to the Foyle Challenge and countless other cycling events over the years, often for charity.

Up until his late eighties, Seamus would have often been seen cycling on the roads in and around Dungiven.

Roe Valley Cycling Club, of which Seamus was a former member, led the tributes at the weekend.

“The committee and members of the club are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Seamus Doran, a past club member and local legend, who passed away this morning, aged 91,” a spokesperson said on Sunday.

“Seamus was involved with Roe Valley Cycling Club's formation and was always seen marshalling and helping in every possible way.

“The club would like to pass on our sincere condolences to all his family circle at this difficult time.”

Fellow cyclist and friend, Chris Sharpe described Seamus as a 'cycling legend'.

“I have been a friend of Seamus' for a long time and rode all the Roe Valley cc Scotland tours as well as a lot of local miles with him,” he said.

“A great club worker, Seamus was always there at the club races sweeping corners, putting out road signs and pushing off at time trials. Seamus will leave me with lots of quality memories and one of those people I am very proud to say he was a good friend.”

While passing through Dungiven's Main Street, most days you would be sure to see Seamus standing at his front door watching the world go by. Those walking past his home would regularly stop and have a chat with him.

SDLP Councillor Michael Coyle, who often met Seamus, described his death as 'sad news'.

He said: “A gentleman known and loved by everybody. He always had time to stop and pass the time of day. My condolences to all the family.”

Another online tribute read: “Seamus was one of life's true gentlemen with a word for everyone. Rest in peace Seamus.”

“Dungiven has lost its greatest character,” added another local.

Seamus' funeral will take place this morning (Tuesday) at 11am in St Patrick's Chapel, Dungiven followed by burial in the adjoining graveyard.

Seamus was predeceased by his wife Nancy and son Sean. He is survived by his daughters Christine, Noeleen and Helen, grandchildren and family circle.