Tragic soldier Daniel is laid to rest with full military honours
THE young Mallow soldier who passed away suddenly last week was buried with full military honours following funeral mass in his home town on Tuesday.
Three-star Private Daniel Donougher from Beechgrove, Castlepark had played a game of indoor soccer last Thursday morning but became ill during his unit’s Recreational Physical Training.
The 23-year-old went to his bed at the Sarsfield Army Barracks in Limerick but was found in an unresponsive state by a colleague at around 1.20pm. It is believed that Daniel died from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS).
The high esteem in which Daniel was held by his colleagues and the respect that he earned during his short time in the army was very much in evidence as his coffin left the Church of the Resurrection following the funeral mass carried by an army bearer party.
As the bells of the church echoed over the town, his remains were placed on a gun carriage and a single drum beat signalled the start of a procession led by Daniel’s family and followed by friend and members of the army and navy to his final resting place at St Gobnait’s cemetery.
It was a fitting tribute to a young man who so obviously loved being a soldier and who had wanted nothing more than to spend his life in the service of his country.
Earlier his step-father Philip had told the packed congregation of his the “honour and privilege” he felt when Daniel had first asked him if he could call him Dad.
“You were a son that your mum and me were so proud of. Even before you joined the army you filled our lives with love and joy everyday. It was frustrating sometimes because even when I tried to find faults in you, your mother soon put me right,” said Philip.
“The love you showed to us Danny we will dearly miss. From the simple things like each and every phone call you finished with ‘I love you mum or dad’. You didn’t care who was beside you when you said it. That meant so much to us.”
Philip thanked family friends and Daniel’s friends and work colleagues for their kindness and support following his passing.“ We have been overwhelmed with the expressions of sympathy and support from everyone over the past five days. Our worst nightmare had been realised with the news of Daniel’s sudden death. No words can express our loss.”
The funeral mass was celebrated by Army Chaplain Fr Brian Whelan, who was joined by Mallow parish priest Archdeacon Gerard Casey.
Among the congregation were Daniel’s close friends, his ‘16 disciples’, colleagues from the army and senior personnel including Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces; Commodore Hugh Tully, officer commanding the Naval Service and Brigadier General Paddy Flynn, commanding the Southern Brigade.
Daniel is survived by his mother Daniela, stepfather Philip and sister Ninette who in her moving tribute during the mass described Daniel as “the best brother a sister could ever wish for.”