Michael Duddy was ‘a true friend to those lucky enough to have known him’

Michael Duddy of Madavagh, Lettermacaward, passed away on Sunday and the former Donegal captain Pauric McShea this week wrote to us to pay tribute.

“It was with great regret that I learned of the death of Michael Duddy from Lettermacaward on Sunday.

“Michael’s vision and commitment with competitive drive in establishing and developing a unique successful specialist timber business in west Donegal over five decades speaks for itself.

“In the early 1980s Lettermacaward boasted one of the largest timber kilns going. The establishment of Irish Oak in Glenties represented Michael’s attitude and belief that great things could be achieved by people in their own locality. Today, in many prestigious and state buildings, Irish Oak flooring and panels will serve many generations yet to come.

“Above all Michael as a family man cherished Gracie, his late wife and his eight daughters. They were all beneficiaries of his gentle presence, positive life philosophy, encouragement, and support. As the family extended Michael and Gracie simply loved welcoming son in laws and grandchildren into their home environment.

“Michael was a quiet achiever who forever kept his feet on the ground, and he had a clear vision of what was possible to achieve in life and business. His work ethic, family, and sense of community could be described as the lighthouses he lived by.

“This was clearly evident in his love and passion with lifelong involvement and commitment to the GAA at his club Na Rossa. The new modern facilities at Na Rossa are fitting fulfilment to this commitment and that of his fellow club members.

The late Michael Duddy, right, with his son-in-law, current Donegal manager Declan Bonner

“Michael took massive pride in the county's GAA success. The inaugural All-Ireland win of 1992 was especially memorable due to the contribution of his son-in-law Declan Bonner, the current Donegal senior football team manager .

“On many occasions Michael emphasised the confidence this All Ireland win contributed to Donegal people at home and abroad. True friends are the medicine of life and Michael Duddy was a true friend to those who were lucky enough to have known him.

“I extend my sincere sympathy to Michael’s family, extended family, community and friends. Whenever a challenging or complex piece of work in the timber industry, business or life may have been elevated to Michael for a solution, after considered reflection his response most often was ‘Surely to God, aye, that can be done.’ May the good Lord now accommodate Michael likewise.

“Ar Dheis De go Raibh a Anam. Pauric McShea”

Michael was predeceased by his wife Gracie and brothers Tony and Jack. Sadly missed by his daughters Helen (Bonner), Catherine (Bonner), Mary (Giblin), Michelle (Boyle), Danielle (Meeke), Martina (Boyce), Georgina (Molloy) and Tonya (Mc Hugh), his brother Peter, 20 grandchildren, and sons-in-law.

His remains are reposing at his home in Madavagh. Funeral Mass on Wednesday at 1pm in St. Brigid's Church, Lettermacaward, with interment in the adjoining cemetery. House is private from 11pm until 11am and strictly private on the morning of the funeral. Mass can be viewed on the Lettermacaward and Doochary Parish Facebook page.