Late Rollie Harron, Laghey - a sportsman and a man of great faith

The funeral took place on Thursday last of Roland (Rollie) Harron in Laghey Parish Church after his death took place at home weeks short of his 93rd birthday.

Well-known in his local area, Rollie was also known throughout the length and breadth of Donegal for his badminton skills, playing his favourite sport up until an advanced age. He had a great interest in all sport, including handball and squash, but also had a great interest in family and his faith journey.

Born on 26th November, 1932 in The Heeneys outside Donegal Town, walking to Lough Eske school. Like many he left school at 14 and worked for a time in Flood’s Garage. He also spent a short spell in Coventry before starting a career in Dunlevy’s Printing Works on the Diamond in Donegal Town.

He remained there until the Printing Works closed in 1972 when his skills were transferred to the Donegal Democrat in Ballyshannon, where he would remain until his retirement in 1997 at the age of 65. As technology developed Rollie enthusiastically took to the new methods and was the first to train on computer typing and word processing.

In the Democrat his friendly and outgoing personality won him many friends and that personality was then put to good use when he took up a new position at Kee’s Petrol Station in Laghey after retirement. His need to be active was central to his demeanour and he could be regularly seen on the roads on his bicycle.

His work for the Laghey Parish community included running dances on a regular basis in the Parish Hall as well as many badminton event.

Rollie married Helen Graham on Helen’s 21st birthday in 1956 and recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. As Rev Elliott said at the funeral service, Rollie was a working man, a family man, a sportsman and a gentleman, but above all he was a man of faith.

Rollie’s passing evoked great sadness in the local area and that was shown by the large number who attended the funeral service at Laghey Parish Church.

Predeceased by his son James; his brother Eric and sisters Katie and Annie, he is survived by his wife Helen;  children Sheree (Harold), Roy (Heather), Mark (Esther), Graham (Michelle), Linda (David), Joy (Robbie), Jason (Ashling), grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

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