Sadness with the passing of John Hegarty (105) in Glenties

One of Donegal’s most senior citizens has sadly passed away.

News of the passing of John Hegarty, who turned 105 years of age in June, has been shared by Naomh Conaill GAA club in Glenties.

Born on June 22, 1918, John, who was a farmer in his day, lived through many a major change in society, from the foundation of the free state to the more recent Covid-19 pandemic.

“We got the sad news today, that our oldest resident in the parish John Hegarty has passed away,” reads a post from Naomh Conaill GAA Club.

“John was 105 only a few weeks ago and celebrated his big milestone with a party with family and friends. John had a great memory and was a great storyteller. He was farming up until a few years ago, but would still go out with his son John (junior) to check in on the sheep. 

“John loved meeting people and particularly loved the Harvest fair day in town, where he would meet and chat to everyone and get to see the animals there. Grandfather to our club secretary Muriel Hegarty, John will be missed by all who had the pleasure to have known him. From everyone at the club, we pass our condolences to all the family and friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

John was from Meenalargan, Glenties and formerly Meenawannia and predeceased by his wife Bridget. He will be sadly missed by his daughter Eilish, sons John and Christy (Glenties) and Laurence (Ballybofey), son-in-law Thomas, daughters-in-law Paula, Una and Ann, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives neighbours and many friends.

Reposing at Shovlins Funeral Home, Sandfield, Ardara Tuesday evening, with removal going to his daughter Eilish Gildea's residence, Stranalough, Glenties F94X406. 

John's Funeral Mass will take place on Friday morning in St Connell's Church, Glenties at 11am, with interment afterward in the local cemetery. Funeral mass can be viewed live online at Church TV Services Glenties.