Donegal Town’s sad farewell for former bakery owner Paul Duncan

There was a huge turnout for the wake and funeral of highly regarded businessman, sportsman and beloved family man, Paul Duncan.

Family, friends, colleagues, former employees and clubmates were among the mourners at St Mary’s Church, Killymard on Saturday morning.

Celebrant Fr Francis McLoone PP was joined by concelebrants Fr Charlie Byrne who had formerly served in the parish, and Fr Pearse Mullen, a native of Donegal Town.

The service began with symbols of Paul’s life being brought to the altar by members of his family. They included a Duncan’s Bakery bread wrapper symbolising his time as the third generation owner of the family business; kindling in recognition of his interest in forestry; a Four Masters jersey representing his great love for the club; a sliotar symbolising his time as a hurler with Setanta; and a photograph representing Paul’s greatest love of all, his family.

Fr McLoone reminded those gathered that as a baker who ran the business set up by his grandfather and continued by his father, Paul was very aware of the significance of bread.

“Particularly during some very hard times in the early years, he would have known that sometimes it was all that people had to eat,” said Fr McLoone.

“He also understood the importance of the Bread of Life and he took great comfort from receiving Communion during his illness.”

The celebrant reminded mourners that Paul was born to Patsy and Nan Duncan on Quay Brae in 1953 and was baptised in St Patrick’s Church.

The family moved across the river to Drumcliffe, and Paul attended Ballydevitt NS before going off to boarding school in Ballinafad, County Mayo.

Following a short stint in London, he returned to his hometown to work in the family business.

“His heart was in Donegal Town,” said Fr McLoone.

Paul married Bridie in 1978. The newlyweds initially lived over the bakery, then moved to Ballydevitt Beg where they raised their three children, Pamela, Carolyn and Paul Gerard.

When the bakery closed in 1994, Paul and Bridie established the Diamond Centre, with retail units and guest accommodation.

Sadly, Paul died on St Brigid’s Day, February 1, having for the second time battled cancer with courage and dignity. 

His carers and medical team, including GPs Dr Austin O’Kennedy and Dr Beverly Huss, were acknowledged and prayed for in the Prayers of the Faithful.

In an emotional eulogy, his son Paul Gerard spoke of the immense love and pride the family had for Paul. He also expressed their gratitude for the support of the community, particularly extended family and neighbours, during his illness and following his death. 

Paul Gerard recalled his father’s great love for the Four Masters GAA Club, and his pride not only as a player and manager, but also as Chairperson. Whether it was raising money for the stand and dressing room, or mowing the pitch so that it looked its absolute best, this sense of pride was evident in everything he did for the club.

Paul was one of a very small number of people who played both Gaelic football and hurling, and indeed, took part in a county final in each of the two sports in 1981.

He also loved playing golf in Donegal Golf Club, Murvagh and it meant a lot to Paul to win the Captain’s Prize in 2019.

In later years, he became interested in forestry, and enjoyed cutting sticks and selling them through local businesses.

Paul Gerard said that in the last year, during his illness, his father had reconnected with former Ballinafad schoolmates that he had not seen in 50 years.

He also spoke of the stories that had been recalled in recent days, the shared memories of his father’s life on and off the sporting field, and in particular, of the fondness with which people remembered Paul. 

Before final rites, Fr McLoone conveyed the gratitude of the family to everyone who had sympathised, and who had attended the funeral. He thanked all those involved in the service, including Therese Campbell who provided beautiful music.

As Paul’s remains were carried from the church, members of Four Masters GAA Club lined the route. He was laid to rest in Killymard graveyard.

Paul is survived and greatly missed by his wife Bridie, daughters Pamela and Carolyn, son Paul Gerard, his brother Hugh, sisters Mary and Kayt, his beloved grandchildren Lily and Oisín, and a wide circle of extended family and friends.