‘Sean was one of life’s gentleman’: Sadness at passing of Cork man who made Limerick home

CORK’S loss was Cappamore’s gain when Sean and Eilís Duggan set up home in east Limerick in 1978.

Sadly, Mr Duggan passed away suddenly but peacefully some 47 years later on Tuesday evening at his home - a day after he celebrated his 80th birthday.

Sean and Eilís Duggan have three adult children - Barry, Diane and Colin - and five grandchildren who lit up Mr Duggan’s life in recent years.

His funeral arrangements encapsulate his life as requiem Mass takes place in Cappamore this Saturday before cremation in Ringaskiddy, County Cork and interment of ashes in Mr Duggan’s beloved Bere Island in the near future.

Local councillors Brigid Teefy and Martin Ryan expressed their sympathies, as both their families forged long-lasting friendships with the Duggans through politics.

Cllr Ryan said this Thursday: “We got an awful shock when we heard it last night. It is very sad news.”

He continued: “Sean and Eilís are close friends of our family and of our late father, Martin. Sean and Eilís and our late father would have canvassed a lot of roads together back in the day supporting Dessie O’Malley and the Progressive Democrats."

The Cappamore-based councillor described Mr Duggan as “one of life’s gentlemen”.

“He never lost the Cork accent. He was a quiet man who had his own wit and was very well-respected locally. You couldn’t but respect Sean,” said Cllr Ryan.

Cllr Teefy also spoke of Mr Duggan keeping his “Rebel” accent and the great banter when Limerick were playing Cork in hurling.

“Sean was always very good company, had a great sense of humour and wit. He was a great man for history, was very well read and had a great recollection.

“He was a wonderful family man and very proud of his children and grandchildren,” said Cllr Teefy.

The former Progressive Democrat recalls travelling all over the country to conferences with Sean and Eilís, and has very fond memories of a visit to Bere Island when their families were younger.

The Duggans moved to Cappamore in 1978 due to his job as a medical rep. They planned to stay for a year and return to Cork but they liked it so much, they never left.

Their impact on the tight-knit community can be seen by the numerous condolences on rip.ie.

Mr Duggan (pictured below) has been described as a fantastic friend and neighbour.

One tribute reads: “May you all find comfort in your treasured memories of the good times with Sean and may those sustain you over the coming difficult days, weeks and months ahead.” 

Last weekend, Sean Duggan marked his 80th birthday with a celebration with his loving family at their east Limerick home.

Mr Duggan is mourned deeply by loving wife Eilís and children - Barry (former journalist of the Limerick Leader and Irish Independent and current Head of Press and Communications at Fine Gael), Diane (Barrister and Head of Legal at the Electoral Commission) and Colin (Principal Research Scientist at Dell Technologies).

Sadly missed by their partner and spouses, Christine, Michael and Fina and his adored grandchildren Elizabeth, Caoimhe, Ollie, Tommy and Danny, also survived by his sister Eileen and her family.

Fondly remembered by his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and all his extended family and loyal friends in Cappamore, Bere Island and beyond.

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Reposing at Lynch-Kelly Funeral Home Cappamore (V94 C5H2) this Friday, April 4, from 4.30pm with removal at 7.30pm to St Michael’s Church, Cappamore.

Requiem Mass on Saturday at 10.30am followed by cremation at the Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy, County Cork at 2pm. Ashes will be interred in Bere Island in the following weeks.