Obituary: Late Sean Meehan - ‘A huge loss to the town of Bundoran’

There was great sadness and the deepest of sympathy felt in south Donegal, north Sligo and north Leitrim following the recent death of Sean Meehan, from No.7 The Cottages, Magheracar, Bundoran. 

Sean passed away on June 19 2024, at St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown, Dublin peacefully surrounded by his loving family. His Funeral took place on Saturday last in his beloved Bundoran.

Sean, who was a lifelong fisherman, was part of a close knit community who fished out of the West End Pier for a number of generations and was known for his quick wit, sense of humour and turn of phrase. 

One of Bundoran’s great characters has now gone to his eternal reward, many locals have remarked in the days since his passing. 

Sean was known for his encyclopaedic knowledge of the fishing traditions of the locality and his vast knowledge of the history of the families who resided in the West End of town.

Sean was also well known for his great ability to tell a story and once he started, it was normally to a captivated audience, harping back to the olden days, his style akin to the age of the seanchaí.  

Cllr Michael McMahon said that his passing “would be a huge loss to the town of Bundoran”.

“The news of Sean’s passing was greeted by so many with huge sadness. He was an enthusiastic sportsman in his younger days and was a great follower of local sports especially the GAA, in which his two sons were involved when younger.

“He was instrumental within the local fishing community and operated from the local pier for the best part of his life. His knowledge of the town, especially the West End, was powerful and he always had a humorous way about him with a repertoire of stories, which he could recall with ease.” 

One of the many online tributes read: 

“I will always remember Sean as one of the more fun parents in town.”

Another read: “I knew him when my family and I lived in Bundoran in the 1980's. A gentleman and obliging community person. Great memories of preparing for Community Games athletic events with him back then.

Another recalled playing ‘25’, “a witty gentleman who could tell a story to suit the listeners”, while another tribute read:

“Sean was a gentleman of great faith who always had a word for anyone he encountered in life.Sean did many good deeds for the community quietly and not for recognition.”

One final comment summed up the feelings of many, “Another much loved face from Bundoran has left us”.

Sean was the beloved husband of the late Marjie Meehan. Deeply regretted and will be forever missed by his loving family, his sons Patrick (Annabelle) and Owen (Aisling), his daughter Lisa (Nigel), his adored grandchildren Sophie, Saoirse, Jacob, Oscar, Lucas and Noah, his nieces, nephews and all his relatives, neighbours and large circle of friends to whom deepest sympathy is extended. 

Sean is predeceased by his parents Patrick and Mary Meehan, his sister Una and brothers Michael, P.J and Podge.

His funeral took place on Saturday morning last at the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Bundoran for Mass of the Resurrection at 11am. 

Burial took place afterwards in Finner Cemetery.