Ballyheane man dies in US

Funeral this week of Ballyheane man killed in USA

Neill O’Neill

THE THIRTY-four-year-old Ballyheane man who lost his life following a moped accident in Naples, Florida, will be buried in his native village on Friday morning next, August 8, following funeral Mass in St Patrick’s Church Ballyheane.
Police in US state said that Paul Donnelly of Lisnacurley, Ballyheane, Castlebar, was driving the scooter on Wednesday morning last, July 30, when it crashed. The eldest child of well-known photographer Michael Donnelly and his wife Eileen, Paul had been living in Florida since February.
Paul was well-liked in his native Ballyheane and had worked as a barman in numerous Castlebar pubs, including The Coach, The Castle Inn, Mulroy’s, Maximos and Cosgrave’s Bar on Spencer Street.
His remains will return to Ireland tomorrow (Wednesday), and will be reposing at Kilcoyne’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street, Castlebar, on Thursday evening from 5.30pm, with removal at 8pm to St. Patrick’s Church, Ballyheane, arriving at 8.45pm.
Funeral Mass will follow on Friday morning at 11am, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Paying tribute to his only son, Paul’s father Michael said he had a huge appetite for life and was held in high esteem wherever he went.
“He loved to see the world and would move around a lot,” he said. “He was busy having a good time and was a popular young man who made many friends wherever he went. There was a memorial service for him in Naples at the weekend and I am told it was a beautiful event. This is a sad time for our family and Paul will be very much missed.”
Paul is survived by his parents, sisters Carmel, Michelle and Nicola, relatives, neighbours and friends.