RIP: The Last Post Bugle Call rings out as Cavan and Longford bids farewell to late Donie Sheridan

The Ballintemple community was saddened at the news of the death of Donie (Patrick) Sheridan, Wateraughey, Corlesmore recently.

Donie, who was in his early 70’s  had been ill for some time and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in Cavan General Hospital on Wednesday, April 1.

Donie attended the local Wateraughey school and later Carrigallen Vocational college. He then started building work with Stan Cullen and from there on he never looked back and along with his son Raymond was highly respected in the construction business and his handywork can be seen all over the area. He was an obliging neighbour and when there was a job to be done or help needed he was one of the first to volunteer.

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Donie was a very outgoing character, he had a great sense of humour and loved the craic and banter. Away from the building Donie was a keen huntsman and was a member of the Bruskey Beagle Hunt which hunted on foot along the local hills every weekend from October to March.

When the hunt was over it was into Seamus and Vera Brady’s in Ballinagh for refreshments and a sing-song and a roundup of the day's adventures.  Among the symbols presented at his funeral was a hunting horn. Sadly many of his colleagues have passed on – Tommy and Peter Smith, Danny Brady and Frank Donohoe and it’s a younger generation who have taken over the pack.

Donie was a keen GAA enthusiast and played minor football with the local Lacken club and is remembered from the 1971 game against Ballymachugh and he remained a stalwart supporter of the Club. 

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Donie was predeceased by his parents Patrick and Minnie, sister Rita Quinn, infant brother Gerard and his niece Amy Sheridan.

He will be sadly missed by his devoted wife Bridie, daughters Frances and Olivia, son Raymond, grandchildren Paudie, Joe, Jake, Aly, Kacey and Ella, brothers Tom and Jim, sisters Eileen Shanaghy and Mary Sheridan, in-laws and a wide circle of relatives and friends. 

His remains reposed at Lakeland’s Funeral Home on Thursday, April 2 and following his Funeral Mass on Easter Sunday, April 5, celebrated by Fr Gabriel Kelly, P.P. in St Michael’s church, Potahee burial took place in the local cemetery. 

As the sound of the bugle rang out it was time to bid farewell to one whose passing has left a great void in the Lacken area. May his gentle soul rest in peace.  

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