Obituary: Late Michael Farmer, Cloughbally, Ballyshannon
Fr Paddy Dunne described deceased as a man “who would give you the last bite out of his mouth, if he thought you were stuck".
Much sorrow has been expressed following the recent death of Michael Farmer, late of Cloughbally, Ballyshannon.
He died peacefully at his residence in the loving care of his family and friends after a short illness on Tuesday, April 16.
His funeral took place at St Patrick’s Church, Ballyshannon on Thursday, April 18.
Very Rev Paddy Dunne P.P. introduced some of the symbols of Michael life at the altar including his ‘signature hat’ which he was known for, a penknife and a little sheep to represent the shepherd in him as a farmer, his fisherman’s rope which represented his love of fishing and his Donegal hat for the love of his county and its GAA team.
He was assisted by concelebrants Fr Dermot Burke and Fr Eugene Barrett OFM from Rossnowlagh Friary.
Fr Dunne said it was partially poignant that it “only felt like yesterday” since his beloved sister Carol Aytour (née Farmer), funeral and Mass of the Resurrection had taken place the previous Saturday, in the same St Patrick’s Church.
“I know how hard it is to be back here again already and it was not expected that Michael would pass so quickly, so it comes as a very sad and painful shock to all the family to lose Michael now, as well.”
Later in his homily he reflected that he was very struck when he was down in the deceased’s house of the beautiful fireplace there with the two statues of Michael and Thomas the fishermen and in the middle a carving of the ‘Mary F, “a symbol of the warmth that many people received in the heart of his home, the many people that toasted their feet over a cup of tea … telling many a story and a yarn”.
He described Michael as a man “who would give you the last bite out of his mouth, if he thought you were stuck".
“For neighbours that needed a bit of help, he was always there. He never left home.”
ABOVE: The late Michael Farmer from Ballyshannon
He recalled the “stack of turf that was cut every year” and the deep connectivity he had with the land there, “his homeplace where he was born” and the thatched cottage where he had been raised, before going to the local technical school, before heading off fishing.
He said that the salmon fishing and the lobsters were the fishing he was most associated with and recalled a story told by Fr Eugene of giving a random lady a lobster to enjoy and brighten up her day.
Fr Dunne added that Michael was a huge loss locally at the local pier as people watched him coming and going on the ‘Mary F’, fishing the bay and the estuary.
“The sea was a vast part of who he was,” he added, as well as his great love for farming including his sheep and horses. “He was a true Irishman in every way,” he concluded.
Separately, Cllr Michael McMahon had also paid tribute to the deceased.
“Michael will be sorely missed by all his friends in Sinn Fein and all Republicans throughout the country,” he said.
Michael is predeceased by his wife Mary and his sister Carol and his passing is deeply regretted by his sister Betty.
Forever remembered by his loving family, dear friends and neighbours to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
After Funeral and Mass of the Resurrection at St. Patrick's Church, Ballyshannon interment followed in the Abbey Assaroe Cemetery.