'A pioneer in Donegal tourism' - Tributes paid to the late Tony McDermott
Tony, of the Millpark Hotel and Kiltimagh Hotel, Co Mayo, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and close friends, on Thursday
Tributes have been paid to the late Tony McDermott, who has been described as “a pioneer in Donegal tourism.”
Tony, of the Millpark Hotel and Kiltimagh Hotel, Co Mayo, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and close friends, on Thursday.
Tony was the beloved husband of Bernie and much-loved father to Claire (Emmett), Ronan, Niamh (Kevin), Gavin (Bridie), and Crona, his cherished grandchildren Leo, Ryan, Jamie, Oran, Liam, Conal, and Aidan.
“Tony had worked in tourism within Donegal for the majority of his lifetime,” said Pat the Cope Gallagher TD. “He was a highly respected figure in the hospitality industry. Known for his friendly and welcoming management of the various businesses he worked in or set up throughout his very successful career.
“He was also a keen vintage car enthusiast. Tony built the Mill Park Hotel, Donegal Town, in 2000 from a greenfield site - from that beginning, within a few short years, making it one of the county’s premier hotels - such was his ability and constant drive for improvement.
“I wish to convey my deepest sympathies to his wife Bernie, his sons and daughters and his much-loved grandchildren. Tony will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. My acquaintance with Tony dates back to the early 1980s, during his years working in Dungloe at Sweeney’s Hotel and Óstán na Rosann.
“The poem ‘The Architect of Dreams’ best sums up Tony’s spirit and determination: ‘A builder of the future, swift and keen, who saw the sunrise when the world was grey. With iron will and vision rarely seen, He carved a path through stone and made the way better for all.’ May he rest in peace. Ar dheis Lámh Dé go raibh a anam uasal. May He Rest In Peace.”
The Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town, posted: “We were very sorry to hear of the passing of Tony McDermott. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and all at the Mill Park Hotel and The Park Hotel during this difficult time.
May he rest in peace.”
“On behalf of the players and officials, we would like to offer our deepest condolences to the McDermott family on the sad passing of Tony after a long illness,” Donegal Town Rugby Club posted.
“Tony was a very generous supporter of Donegal Town Rugby Football club and his son-in-law Emmett played for the club for many years. Our thoughts are with his wife Bernie and family at this difficult time.”
Reposing at Gallagher's Funeral Home, Station Road, Mountcharles (F94X02N) on Saturday, May 2, from 4pm until 8pm and on Sunday, May 3, from 1pm until 4pm. Funeral Mass on Monday, May 4, at 1pm in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Mountcharles, with burial afterwards in the adjoining churchyard.
Family flowers only. Donations in lieu of flowers, if desired, to the Oncology Unit, Letterkenny University Hospital. House strictly private at all times.
The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed on the Gallagher Funeral Directors & Funeral Home Facebook page.