‘He battled with every fibre of his body right to the end’: Tributes pour in as Longford bids heartbreaking farewell to Fintan 'Battler' McDonald

Last week Karen Heneghan, the organiser of a GoFundMe page to support the family as Fintan sought treatment for the aggressive cancer, made the sad announcement.

Karen wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that I write this post. Our Battler, Fintan, gained his heavenly wings early this morning surrounded by his loving family and courageous wife Edel. It was a hard fight and he battled to the end. Fly high Battler we love you forever and a day.”

It was the news that everyone close to Battler feared. He fought a good fight, but the aggressive cancer was just too much to overcome.

A family friend outlined: “It started out as a pain in Fintan's right hip, he was diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma. This cancer is extremely rare and unfortunately very aggressive.”

Following the short illness bravely borne, Fintan passed away surrounded by his loving family in St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, on Thursday, April 27.

The tender and moving Funeral Mass in St Matthew's Church, Ballymahon, was a fitting tribute to a man who made a huge impact on his local community. The beautiful music, the gathering of friends, guards of honour by Ballymahon AFC, Ballymahon GAA and local Fire Service colleagues all spoke of the esteem that Battler commanded.

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Fintan will be sadly missed and always remembered by his heartbroken family, his beloved wife Edel, adored son Fintan, his parents Fintan and Mary, his brother Eric and his wife Mag's and their daughter Ellie, father-in-law Paddy Sweeney, brothers-in-law Liam and Tony, nephews and nieces, his Fire Brigade Family, neighbours and his many dear friends.

The funeral gathering witnessed the presentation of symbols representing the full life Fintan lived; his firefighters helmet and axe, a tie, a soccer jersey, tobacco, a mobile phone, a certificate of ownership of a star and picture of Edel, Fintan and little Fintan.

Parish Priest at St Matthew's Church, Ballymahon, Fr Liam Murray , celebrated the funeral mass: “Less than five years ago Fintan and Edel stood here to exchange their marriage vows,” Fr Murray said, “Fintan shone in the life of Edel and his parents, Fintan and Mary, his colleagues and friends in the fire service. Fintan was a bright light in the midst of his many friends.”

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In an emotional and humorous address to the congregation Alan Hudson spoke on behalf of the family about his friend: “He was called Battler for a good reason. He battled with every fibre of his body right to the end,” the firefighter said, “I love you and will miss you so much, rest easy now little brother,” he read on behalf of Eric.

Karen Heneghan was one of the four close family friends who organised the McDonald Family Support Fund on the online fundraising platform. On the page Karen outlined the impact the diagnosis has had on the life of Fintan, his wife Edel and their son Fintan.

Battler's standing in the community as ably illustrated by the fact that the €50,000 goal was smashed and €118,184 raised in a short time frame: “That reflects how much of a well liked couple they are in the area. I think we hit the original target in 27 hours,” a close family friend said.

They spoke to the Leader about the passing of the popular Ballymahon firefighter: “I've known Fintan since secondary school, I just don't know what to say. It has a massive impact on the whole of Ballymahon. He was such a young man, with a two year old child. He's only been married to Edel for five years, they were just starting out their life together.”

The friend spoke of the fight he put up: “There was always hope, but the last few weeks were very hard, particularly for his family, especially Edel. I don't just know how to articulate how much of a loss it is.”

There was a massive send off for Fintan: “As he was being brought from the funeral home firefighters lined the route. They were from all over Longford, dressed in their firefighters gear with their helmets laying in the ground. Edel thought it was lovely. His friends did him proud,” the Leader was told.

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A social media tribute from Ballymahon AFC summed up the loss many feel: “It is difficult to find words to express our sorrow and loss at the passing of our former player and cherished friend Battler. To say he was one of a kind is not an understatement because Battler you were truly one of a kind.”

A Book of Condolences was also opened at the Fire Station in Ballymahon.