Funeral takes place of leading Republican Don 'Busty' Brolly in Lifford

The funeral of prominent Lifford Republican Don Brolly took place in the border town on Wednesday.

Late of the Coneyburrow Road in Lifford, he died on Friday at Letterkenny University Hospital.

A former member of the Provisional IRA, his coffin was draped in the Irish tricolour. A black beret and gloves rested atop as his remains were taken to St Patrick’s Church in Murlog for the funeral Mass.

Men wearing sunglasses, white shirts, black ties and black gloves flanked the pallbearers on the route to the Church.

Parish Priest Fr Michael McCaughey recalled how he was affectionately known as ‘Busty’ or ‘Doms’ to  close friends and family.

Gifts commemorating his life were carried to the altar by family members, including a Celtic jersey, some chocolate, a paint brush and a mug.

“He enjoyed a cup of tea,” remarked Fr McCaughey.

He said Don had a big influence on his family, work colleagues and his community.

“Death coming suddenly creates an extra sense of pain and heartbreak,” Fr McCaughey said.

He said the deceased was “kind hearted and family orientated” and a man respected for his painting skills.

“Don Brolly tried to keep alive the light and the love of Jesus Christ,” Fr McCaughey said. “He has tried to keep alive burning the candle of baptism.”

As his remains were taken from the Church to be taken to Lakelands Crematorium, the song The Parting Glass played as his remains were taken from the Church.

The Joseph Plunkett 1916 Society Clady-Glebe paid tribute to a man who they said was a “steadfast figure in the ongoing struggle for Irish freedom”.

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Having joined the Donegal Brigade in the early 1989s, they said he had “unwavering dedication to the Republican cause”.

“His bravery, loyalty, and determination were well known, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who shared the journey with him,” they said in a tribute.

Predeceased by his parents Annette and Daniel, his sister Marie and brother Shaun, he is survived by his siblings Noeleen, Brian and Aine.