Tributes paid after sudden death of a 'beloved' member of the Derry GAA community

Tributes have poured in following the sudden and untimely passing of Patrick O’Donnell.

O’Donnell had a lasting impact within the GAA community in Derry throughout his life, and his loss has been felt across his former clubs and county Derry ladies.

His home club Banagher, his adopted club Magherafelt and Derry ladies gaelic football all took to Facebook to post their feelings on his passing.

Banagher said: “It’s with great sadness & a heavy heart that we announce the sudden passing of Patrick O Donnell - a former player & a loyal & dedicated member of our club . 

"Patrick was a fine footballer throughout his underage and Senior career.

“In 1983 he won an all Ireland minor football medal alongside 3 other Banagher men - Eamon lynch , Peter Mc Grellis and Liam Mc Grellis . In 1986 he was on the Derry under 21 football panel that won the Ulster title .

“In 1991 Patrick made his championship debut for Derry senior footballers at full back against Tyrone in which Derry won that day . Patrick played many years at Senior football for Banagher. 

“In 1984 and 1995  Patrick won the Dr Kerlin cup and in 1996 he won the double winning the Division 2 football league & Dr Kerlin cup . In 2015 at our 50th Gala celebrations Patrick was also named on Banagher best team over the 50yrs. 

“Patrick attended games regularly supporting our teams through the highs and the lows . 

“Patrick is one of Banagher’s finest men . Always greeting people with a big smile & a word for everyone when he came into Fr Mc Nally park . 

“We offer our sincere sympathy to his wife Briege , his daughter’s Emer and Aine and his son in law’s, his parents John & Mary and Sisters Jacqueline , Anne, Sharon , Frances, Shauna, Brenda & Emma and all the O Donnell family circle at this very sad time.

“Mary Queen of the Gael pray for him.”

The former Magherafelt men's and women's manager received a heartfelt tribute from the club.

Their post said: “Deepest sympathies to the O’Donnell family on the sudden and untimely passing of Patrick, RIP.

“Patrick was a former manager of both our senior men and senior ladies teams. 

“While he never denied his roots in his beloved Banagher, he was a great friend to many around Rossa Park and that big smile will be remembered by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“He will be sadly missed by his close group of friends, none more so than his cousin Eamon Lynch, father of Rossa senior players Odhran and Michael and underage coach Niamh. 

“Our thoughts at this sad time are with his wife Briege, his two daughters Emer and Aine, both former senior ladies footballers and the extended O’Donnell family. 

“Mary, Queen of the Gael, pray for him.”

While Derry ladies gaelic football added: “The Derry LGFA executive and its wider community wish to express our sincere sympathy to Briege, Emer, Aine and their extended family circle on the recent loss of Patrick. 

“Patrick held various roles in the Derry LGFA executive committee and was also a previous Derry senior ladies manager.

“We will be forever grateful for his time and effort given to ladies football in our county. 

“Suaimhneas Síoraí Air.”

The wake for Patrick O’Donnell will commence at 6.30pm this evening (Friday, December 20).

Funeral from his home, 4 Parklane, Magherafelt on Sunday, December 22 at 1.15pm for 2.00pm Mass in Church of our Lady of the Assumption. Interment afterwards in cemetery at Church of St John Milltown. Family time from 10.00pm to 12.00midday.

Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul.