HUNDREDS of people said a final sad farewell to former TD and county councillor Harry Blaney in his native Fanad today.
The Fianna Fail hierarchy including party leader Micheal Martin, and former ministers Mary Coughlan and Mary Hanafin, joined family members and the wider Fanad and Donegal communities for Requiem Mass at Massmount.
There were at least 2,000 people following the cortege from the Blaney family cottage at Rossnakill to the chapel, or along the route to 1km route to the church.
They heard Father Patrick McGarvey speak of a man who dedicated his life to his community.
Mr Blaney, who was 85, passed away on Sunday after taking ill at his home last Wednesday.
He had, said the priest, a huge passion for football – having being given a trial by his beloved Glasgow Celtic in the 1950s.
He went on play for Swilly Rovers, reaching the Junior Cup Final – captained by current independent councillor Ian McGarvey – in 1953; and Mr Blaney had gone on the help when Fanad United were established.
A wreath from Celtic Football Club were among the floral tributes at the church as his widow Margaret was comforted by daughters Noreen, Catherine, Breideen, Patricia and Noelle, sons Liam and Niall, sons-in-law and partners, brothers Liam, Teddy, Paul and Kevin, grandchildren and extended family.
Father McGarvey said Mr Blaney, who was a TD from 1997 until 2002 and a county councillor for 40 years before that, didn’t have to know you to help you.
“He was a genuine person who became your friend and your neighbour,” said Father McGarvey.
“He will be forever remembered for the bridge between Fanad and Rosguill which opened three years ago, but he was also a bridge builder.
“He crossed over waters, over the oceans and over the politics of life to build and unite and to build hope.
“He did all he could with his famous shopping list and God help God today because I’m sure he has a list for him too.”
Mr Blaney’s eldest daughter Noreen, paid a wonderful eulogy to her father, detailing his passions for his family, for farming and for football.
She said that his last words before he took ill were: “I’ll be all right if you get me out to the barn a run.”
He detested modern farm machinery, preferring a scythe and a wheelbarrow.
