Lanesboro and Ballyleague saddened by death of legendary Denis Dunne who left an indelible legacy

The death took place on Saturday, October 21 at Innis Ree Lodge Nursing Home Ballyleague of Denis Dunne, Ballyleague.

Denis, a native of Killenard, Co Laois came to work with ESB in the first power station in the 1960’s.

From the first step he made in our community to his very last, Denis left an indelible mark. He had a wonderful personality and his warm and gentle nature endured him to everyone that had the privilege to know him.

Before he left his native Killenard he was one of the founding members of O’Dempsey’s GAA club with whom he won county titles and soon after his arrival he was a co-founder of St Faithleach’s GAA club and the first chairman of Kilgefin Community Games.

Denis embraced his new community for 60 years and that love was shared back to him by our admiration.

He worked in the power station for over 40 years until his retirement and never was a man sorrier to leave a job and his co-workers.

He was a man who loved boating, fishing and exploring Lough Ree and its islands. In the early years he built his own cruiser and all summer he boated all over the lake.

Denis was a man whose family meant everything to him as well as his faith. His community also meant everything to him and it is not too long ago since he was chairman for a number of years of the Ballyleague Tidy Towns committee.

Denis was a legendary presence in our community, hence our great sense of loss. 

Denis reposed at his residence on Tuesday evening, October 24 and on Wednesday, October 25 he was removed to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague for the Mass of the Resurrection. Burial took place in Cloontuskert Cemetery.

Denis will be sadly missed by his beloved wife Noreen, his children Brendan, Siobhán, Gráinne, Gary, Niamh and Fiona, his 16 adored grandchildren, sons-in-law Mark, Michael, William and Ze, daughters-in-law Marian and Róisín, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and a wide circle of friends and neighbours.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.