RIP: Longford remembers highly regarded Joe Donlon 'a man of great heart, life and spirit'

When a man and dear friend that brought you so many great memories as a child and through your life passes away it brings great sadness to your heart. Indeed, it was not only me that got the benefit of great memories but many others in the community of Lanesboro.

The passing of Joe Donlon, Moher in the care of the Palliative Care Team, Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar on Thursday, October 2 was greatly felt in the area. Joe, aged 91 years, was from a very well respected local family of 16 children and he was predeceased by his wife Esther, his infant son Edward, his brothers Pete, Tom, EJ and Noel. 

As was the way of the time he began working at a very young age and had many jobs before I encountered him as he was working as a bread delivery man for Fabian Walsh’s bakery. Every Saturday I was brought on his delivery run and Joe was welcomed like a celebrity at every house and shop he visited. He was a man of great heart, life and spirit with words at will and he was never to be without a quip. His happiness and light heartedness ensured Joe was setting out his own mark on this life and he was brightening even the dullest days.

Family was everything to Joe and he was also a wonderful encourager of people; never seen any bad in anyone and with his positive personality encouraged everyone to be the best they could be. Following his days with the bakery he went on to work with ESB in the power station where he was a well-respected member of staff until his retirement.

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Joe along with Esther enjoyed a great social life and every door was open to them for all the happiness and great company they brought – be it for a game of cards, a night of storytelling or just a night of chat and singsongs. He was a great supporter of our local community and he was an avid reader of the Longford Leader, always keeping up with all the local news.

Joe’s great sporting love was darts and it was a family trait with the Donlon’s renowned far and wide for their skill. He ran a huge darts tournament in the old Anchor Hotel where there was up to 16 dart boards going. Such was the respect he gained for himself that he was asked to be involved with the running of the 1996 European Darts Championship held in Bundoran.

Joe’s remains reposed in Farrell’s Funeral Home on Sunday, October 5 where the huge number of sympathisers showed the high esteem in which he was held. On Monday he was removed to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague for his Funeral Mass which was followed by his burial in Cloontuskert Cemetery.

To his family of Patsy, Joe, John, Noel, Stephen, Thomas, Peter, Mary Geraldine, Maurice, David and Goretti, his brothers Patsy, Jim, Gerry, Kevin and Marty and his sisters Betty, Kathleen, Mary, Teresa, Carmel and Rita, extend family, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.

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