Man who died in Donegal scuba diving tragedy was well-known in Westport

The father of three who tragically died in a scuba diving accident at the weekend was well-known in the Westport area.

Pat Doran, from Finisklin, Effrinagh, Carrick-on-Shannon, died when he got into difficulty while taking part in a planned two-day event organised by the Donegal Bay Sub Aqua Club.

The event, the North West Dive Rally, had seen a number of dives on Saturday at Malin Beg and Sliabh Liag. However, around midday on Saturday the alarm was raised after two divers got into difficulty. A major search and rescue operation was launched which was co-ordinated by the Malin Head Coastguard Station. The operation involved a number of agencies including the Killybegs Coast Guard, An Garda Síochána, the National Ambulance Service, shore crews and also the Rescue 118 helicopter, but unfortunately Mr Doran's body was recovered from the sea.

The news was greeted with some shock and sadness in the Westport area as Pat had worked for several years as production manager with West Rock Packaging Solutions, formerly Chesapeake Multi-packaging Solutions, and still best known locally as Berry's Printworks on the Golf Course Road in the town.

Toby Gibbons, who was a colleague of Pat's during his time in Westport, said many of the staff at West Rock couldn't believe the news when details of Pat's tragic passing began to emerge on Sunday.

“Pat worked with us for many years in Westport before leaving to set up his own company three of four years ago. Pat used to mostly travel up and down from his home in Leitrim but he often stayed over in Westport too and got to know many people in the town.”

Mr Gibbons, who is also the owner of Toby's Bar on the Fairgreen in Westport, said Pat often called in for a drink when he stayed in Westport and got to know many locals well during his time there.

“Pat was a very social type of guy, and as has become apparent from the many tributes, he was deeply involved in the GAA and had a superb knowledge of the scene in Connacht. He was a proud Leitrim man and loved to have conversations about the GAA and all associated with it.”

Toby said many of Pat's colleagues, past and present, in Westport wanted to express their sincere sympathy to his wife Siobhán and their children, Emmet, Caoimhé and Evelyn, and their large extended families.

Tributes have been flooding in for Pat since his tragic death with his home club of St Mary's GAA, Kiltoghert, paying the following heartfelt tribute:

"Saint Mary’s Kiltoghert, the GAA, and the wider community, got the heart breaking news of the untimely passing of a true Gael, loyal friend, and loving family man, Patrick (Paddy) Doran on Saturday.

"Paddy was born in Sheafield, with his brothers and sisters, Ann Marie, James, Colm, Richie, Dearbhla and Melissa, outside Leitrim Village, to Bridie and the late Jim Doran, another great Saint Mary’s Kiltoghert man. He received his education in Leitrim Village NS and Carrick on Shannon Vocational School before studying engineering at third level.

"Paddy married his childhood sweetheart, Siobhan Moran, Drumsna, and settled in Finisklin, Effrinagh, where they were blessed with three wonderful children Emmet, Caoimhe and Eibhlín.

"Paddy's involvement with Saint Mary’s Kiltoghert goes right back to his childhood, where he represented the club and won titles at every underage grade. He not only represented the club with distinction, but also represented Leitrim at U-16, U-18 and U-21. His love of sport extended beyond football and he played hurling, soccer, basketball, and athletics.

"Paddy continued to play for Saint Mary’s Kiltoghert into adulthood, winning medals at Intermediate and Senior levels. He captained the Intermediate winning team of 1995. He was also selector in 2000. One of Paddys proudest achievements was that of player manager of the championship winning junior B team of 2006. There’s many a man around the county who still grimace at the mention of his name as they recall being on the receiving end of one of Paddy’s legendary shoulder tackles.

"Like his father before him, Paddy’s role in the club extended beyond his playing days. He accepted numerous officer roles within the club, most noticeably that of PRO. During the dark days of Covid, Paddy brought a ray of sunshine into our lives as he was pivotal in the live streaming of championship matches into our living rooms while games were played behind closed doors. Who could forget the 'sideways stream' from Pairc Naomh Mhuire. He revelled in the teasing he got from that one!

"Always one for the underdog, Paddy ensured that the club always entered 3rd and 4th teams where possible and took on managerial positions to ensure their success.

"Paddy was more than a club member, the club was a part of him. There was nothing Paddy would not do to ensure we all got the club he felt we deserved. From committees, to officer roles, to donning a high-vis vest to ensure everyone’s safety on match day, Paddy was always there.

"His straight talking, no nonsense, man of action approach endeared him to all who met him. His sad passing leaves a void in our club and our lives which will never be replaced.

"We know our huge loss is shared with other clubs, especially Leitrim Gaels, with whom Paddy shared a wide circle of friends.

"Words cannot describe the heartbreak we feel for his loving wife Siobhan, his children Emmet Caoimhe, and Eibhlín, his mother Bridie, his brothers, sisters, extended family, neighbours and many many friends, and to you all, we extend our deepest sympathies.”

Pat will repose at his home in Effrinagh (N41 HY72), this evening Wednesday, June 26 and Thursday, June 27 from 5pm until 8pm. Funeral Mass is on Friday, June 28 at 2pm in St Patrick’s Church, Gowel (N41 HX83). Pat will be laid to rest afterwards in Kiltoghert Cemetery. A shuttle bus will operate from Kiltoghert Community Centre (N41 HC95) each evening from 5pm until 8pm. Please adhere to steward guidance.