THE joint funerals will take place later today of the father and sister of former Donegal GAA star, Brendan Devenney who died within 24 hours of each other.
Margaret Sullivan died suddenly at her home on Thursday, the day after her father, Patrick Devenney passed away at Donegal hospice. Mrs Sullivan, who was in her forties, and her husband Eugene were well known in GAA and football circles in Donegal.
The mother-of-two’s father, Mr Devenney was also a popular figure in GAA circles. From Newtowncunningham, Mr Devenney was a past player, trainer and assistant manager with the local Naomh Cholmcille club. He was also a keen supporter of St Eunan’s GAA club where a number of family members were players and members.
His son Brendan played for the Donegal senior team, gaining a reputation as a stylish and free-scoring forward. As well as winning a National League medal, he played for Ireland in the 1998 International Rules Series. Mr Devenney junior also played football with Donegal League of Ireland side, Finn Harps. Following his playing career, he has become a GAA pundit with the BBC.
Tributes have been paid to Mr Devenney senior and his daughter. Letterkenny Fine Gael councillor, Jimmy Kavanagh said the deaths had left the communities in Letterkenny and Newtowncunningham numb.
“People are shocked. Both Paddy and Margaret were lovely people. It’s hard to believe that a day after Margaret attended her father’s removal, we were attending her removal,” Mr Kavanagh said.
He said Mrs Sullivan and her father were hugely popular.
A spokesman for St Eunan’s GAA club said everyone was devastated. The spokesman said Mrs Sullivan and her father were a “hugely popular presence around the club”.
"We will sorely miss you Margaret, along with your smile and warmth which greeted so many of us when we were fortunate enough to meet you," they said.
He described Mr Devenney as a “great GAA man” and a proud supporter of both St Eunan’s and Naomh Cholmcille.
“He would have been a fixture at O’Donnell Park and beyond proudly supporting his son, Brendan or daughter Maria pitch-side, through their many successes at club and at county level.”
Mrs Sullivan was waked alongside her father at the family home at Newtowncunningham. The father and daughter’s funeral Mass takes place at All Saints’ Church, Newtowncunningham at noon today followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
