Sad passing of ‘the Rougey man’, Bundoran’s Joe O’Gorman

There was great sadness following the death last Sunday of Joe O'Gorman, late of The Hollow, East End, Bundoran, who got the fond nickname of ‘the Rougey Man’ after his love of the famous coastal route, which he would regularly walk twice a day. 

After reposing at the family home, removal took place on Wednesday morning to Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Bundoran for Funeral Mass.

Fr Humphrey Ude, C.C., who was assisted by retired parish priest Canon Ramon Munster recalled a man who was universally admired and liked as well as having a wonderful way of engaging with locals and visitors to the resort over the years.

He said: “Joe has left us with many beautiful and happy memories.” 

He recalled that Joe was born, some 80 years ago, into the family of Ita and Frank O’Gorman who owned and operated the long-established business, O’Gorman Arms, and later his own work taking him to the likes of Dagenham Cables in England and Telephone Cables Ltd.

“Joe had a great relationship with our parish community. In fact it is on record that he received his first wage of ten shillings in this church, as a side or stand by altar boy. 

“At that time there were six side altars and visiting priests would say Masses every hour on either of the side altars. Joe was very regular to morning masses during the summer and was even chosen by the priests as needed,” he said.

He had received his education at the local national school, St Macartan’s under the guidance of the forward thinking Master McGuinness, who encouraged the deceased to take up an instrument and join the school band.

This was the catalyst which saw Joe becoming an accomplished flute and tin whistle player, regularly entertaining guests at his parent’s hotel in the East End.

Amongst his other great loves and passions was Rougey walk. 

Fr Ude recalled that such was his zeal and passion when it came to the walk “he was nicknamed the Rougey man”.  

“His habit of walking Rougey in short trousers, both in summer and even winter, made him a tourist attraction,” he said.

He remarked that Joe aroused the curiosity of many tourists over the years who wanted to know more about the man that walked Rougey in such attire, no matter what the elements and performing his customary 100 push ups, as he went around.

Another daily habit was newspapers, especially ‘The Sun’ which he read every day, even when health issues later visited him, “he never gave up that habit”, Fr Ude said.

He also mentioned the special love, care and attention that had been proffered by his family on Joe.   

Amongst the many messages of online condolences was one from a former work colleague, living in Carlow, who recalled “we worked together for Telephone Cables Ltd. TCL, for many years, I have great memories, he was a lovely man, may his gentle soul rest in peace”.

Another read: “He was one gentleman!” while another work colleague recalled, “it (was) always a joy to be in his company with lots of laughs as a result. He was a lovely man”.

Surrounded by his loving family at the time of his peaceful passing, Joe will be forever missed by his sister Anitta, brother Frankie, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, neighbours and a large circle of friends to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

Following the Funeral Mass, burial took place at St. Ninnidh’s cemetery.