The Late John O'Donoghue, R.I.P.

On Friday morning last - 5th July, the news filtered throughout the peninsula of the peaceful passing away of John O'Donoghue, Corner House, Castletownbere earlier that day.  John, who was only diagnosed of his illness just 3 weeks prior had lost his battle to cancer - a disease that is all too common in our peninsula - especially over the last few months.  He was admitted to the Bons Secour Hospital in Cork, for routine tests and unfortunately never came home.  His wife Evelyn and members of his family were at his bedside throughout the last month and on the morning he passed away. 

His remains was removed to his home on Fri. evening where friends and relations visited and passed on their condolonces.  On Saturday evening, from the Funeral Home, following a huge crowd who attended to give support to the family, his remains was removed to the Sacred Church, Castletownbere.

Sunday last, a concelebrated Requiem Mass was held by Rev. Canon P. Sheehan, Fr. Sean O'Shea and Fr. O'Connell to a packed church.  Members of the family took part in the Readings and the Prayers of the Faithful - namely Pat, Marian and Michael, his granddaughter Angela and his nephews and nieces.  At the Offertory, memorabilia of John's were presented to the Altar as gifts - these included a spanner, representing the garage trade he carried on in the Square, a naggin of Powers and a small white lemonade, his tipple and also reminding us of the Vintner's trade he carried on with his family.  These were presented by his sons Philip and Felix, respectfully.  Marney, his youngest son, brought his video camera, which brought to mind the many times we saw John at various events and functions (especially weddings) over the last 20-30 years and whose works are in many many homes.  His grandchildren John William, Christopher, Alan and Charlie, brought the gift of a toy-bus to the Altar - symbolising the many many times he brought children to and from school over the years and also the 'Berehaven Bus' service to and from Bantry and Cork.  His son-in-law Ger Crowley, brought his golf putter and the 2002 Junior West Cork Shield Trophy, which portrayed the hobby he took up some 8-10 years ago and which formed the major social aspect of his retirement.  Another hobby he took up on his retirement was that of gardening and his granddaughters Kate, Mary Beth and Lucy presented the gift of a garden trowel - to remind us of the colourful display of flowers and plants that we regularly view around the home and business in the Square.  Finally, John was know for his enormous generosity and for the acquirement of 'Gadgets' in all shapes and forms over the years.  This was portrayed by his granddaughter Evelyn, who presented a 'Cookie Jar' (that spoke when opened) and reminded us of generous nature - especially in the 'goodies' he showed on children - especially his grandchildren.

Following the mass, his brother-in-law Mahon Hayes spoke of the years past and John's life in the 50's and 60's.  He thanked everyone who attended on behalf of the family and invited everyone to join them afterwards in the Berehaven Golf Club for a meal.

John's coffin was draped with the Berehaven Golf Club Flag and his remains was shouldered by members of the Golf Club up the town, pausing outside his home, around the Square - again pausing outside his garage - before his final journey to his resting place in Foildarrig Cemetary.  

John was a very unassuming man, who said little, but when he did - it always had sustenance and creedence to it.  He will be sadly missed by his family, wife Evelyn, sons Pat, Maurice,  Felix,  Philip, Michael and Martin, daughter Marian, sisters Mary and Kathleen, brother Michael, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and many many friends.   Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

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