The late Don Breslin of Burtonport: ‘A gentleman and a character’
‘Of a friendly and kind disposition, Don was very popular with all who had the pleasure of knowing him’
Deep regret was occasioned by the recent death of Don Breslin, Acres, Burtonport and Letterkenny, who died in hospital in Dublin.
A native of Burtonport, he was a member of a well-known local family. He was predeceased by his parents Danny and Mary Breslin.
He attended the old Rampart School, later the old Secondary School in Dungloe and then on to Third Level Education at the Regional Technical College in Letterkenny.
After college he emigrated to Bristol, England, where he worked in the Building Industry for ‘McAlpine’.
While he was there, he did an apprentice course in joinery which he completed in 1978.
In 1980 he returned to Ireland where he worked for John Sisk and Sons. Then, in the mid 80s he changed course again and went fishing on the St Oliver with his late brother-in-law Joe Bán McBride.
Following years fishing at sea he went to work in the fish processing plant in Burtonport. He then changed course again and the bright lights of Letterkenny lured him from The Port.
He worked in the Radisson Hotel up until five weeks ago. Those 23 years were the happiest of his life – where he was highly regarded as a valued member of staff, “a gentleman and a character”.
He worked there until a couple of weeks before his death. Of a friendly and kind disposition, Don was very popular with all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a lifelong Manchester United supporter and always enjoyed the banter that went with cross channel football among locals in this area.
His funeral took place to Belcruit Cemetery, following Mass in St Columba’s Church, Acres, celebrated by Rev Fr Vincent Finnegan, PP, who also officiated at the graveside.
Music at the Mass was by Martin and Clodagh Dillon. The readers were his niece Coleen O’Sullivan and Linda Breslin.
Don is survived by his brothers Pauric in Killybegs, Gerard in Dungloe and Noel in Crickamore, sisters Mrs Bernadette O’Sullivan, Ferbane, Co Offaly and Mrs Sylvia McBride, Roshine, in-laws, nephews, nieces and a large family circle.
The month's mind Mass is in St Columba’s Church, Acres on Saturday, September 19 at 6:30pm.