The late Dr James Brogan remembered as 'a man who made a difference'

The death took place recently in Letterkenny University Hospital of Dr James Brogan, 3 St Helens, Hornhead Road, Dunfanaghy, originally of Enniskillen.

Predeceased by his parents Eddie and Josephine, brother William and brother-in-law Damian.

Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving wife Attracta; sons Shane (Lillian) and Feidhlim (Rebecca); daughters Aoife and Eimear; grandchildren Ciara, Liam, Roisin, Niamh, Oisin, Caoimhe, Fionn and Saoirse; siblings Eddie (Ellen), Mary and Josephine (Harlow); his in-laws, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Mass was celebrated in Holy Cross Church, Dunfanaghy at 11.30am on Sunday, February 22, where a large congregation, including many from Gweedore, came together to honour the memory of Dr Brogan. The chief celebrant was Father Martin Doohan PP, Holy Cross Church, assisted by Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, St. Eunan’s Cathedral, and Father Sean O’Gallochoir.

Symbols of his life presented at the altar included a fishing rod, a hat and a stethoscope. Roisin presented the bread and wine. The readings were by Niamh and Ciara. Father Doohan said, “A darkness is over us all at losing someone we knew and loved.”

A native of Enniskillen, he met his wife, Attracta, in the Coombe Hospital and they wed in 1971. They moved to Gweedore in 1980. Jimmy was a man who made a difference; he was available on the phone at all hours, even staying up with a patient all night if necessary. They later moved to Dunfanaghy.

Jimmy loved birds and deer and was a member of the Irish Deer Society. In the 1980s, he was a founder member of the Mountain Rescue because he saw the need. In 2020, he retired due to ill health, an illness he bore with strength and determination. No matter how dark you feel, no hole is so deep. Jimmy loved birds, and a quote was read from a poem by Rachel Field. A private cremation took place afterwards.