‘One in a million family man’ laid to rest
THE father-of-four who died following an incident in a Mitchelstown pub last weekend has been remembered as a “one in a million family man” who loved a good chat and had a hearty laugh.
Patrick O’Donnell (36), who was know as ‘Ginty’, was laid to rest on Tuesday in Glanworth - he died following the incident at Willie Andie’s Pub in the town’s New Square on Friday night. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
While the results of a post mortem examination are being withheld by Gardaí, it is understood they indicated that Mr O’Donnell died from severe head injuries.
Chief funeral celebrant Fr Michael Fitzgerald said that while Mr O’Donnell’s life was not always simple, he had been helped on life’s journey by his family.
A man has been charged in connection with the incident and will appear before the courts on Friday.
THE father of four who died following an incident in a Mitchelstown pub last weekend has been remembered as a “one in a million family man” who loved a good chat and had a hearty laugh.
Patrick O’Donnell (36), who was know as ‘Ginty’, was laid to rest on Tuesday at St Dominic’s Cemetery in Glanworth following Requiem Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in his native Ballindangan.
Mr O’Donnell from Stag Park, Mitchelstown passed away following the incident at Willie Andie’s Pub in the town’s New Square on Friday night.
He was pronounced dead at the scene before he could be transferred to Cork University Hospital (CUH). A post mortem was conducted at CUH by State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy and while the results of the examination are being withheld by Gardaí for operational reasons, they indicated that Mr O’Donnell died from severe head injuries.
Speaking at Mr O’Donnell’s funeral Mass his nephew, Jimmy, said his uncle was a kind husband, father, son and uncle who lived for his family.
“Ginty loved his family, Leanne, his two sons and his two beautiful princesses. They were everything to him. He also adored his mother (Irene). She was the apple of his eye. He was a family man. He would have done anything for his family and friends. He didn’t have a bad word to say about anyone. All he wanted was to enjoy his life,” said Jimmy.
He spoke about how his uncle loved to keep fit and had a keen interest in all sports, particularly enjoying the tranquillity of fishing, and enjoyed the good humoured teasing from his nephews about his “bald head.”
Chief celebrant Fr Michael Fitzgerald said that while Mr O’Donnell’s life was not always simple, he had been helped on his journey through the world by his loving wife Leanne, who Fr Fitzgerald described as her husband’s “rock”.
“Patrick loved Leanne and his family. Leanne was a rock of strength to Patrick and while life wasn’t always easy for Patrick, he did his best,” said Fr Fitzgerald.
“Let us think of Patrick and his bright enormous smile shining brighter than ever in the sight of the goodness and mercy of God. Lord help Leanne and Patrick’s family at this terrible time. They need you now. We trust Lord that you will help them. Rest in peace Patrick. You are greatly missed.”
Fr Fitzgerald also thanked the Gardaí for the professionalism they showed following Mr O’Donnell’s death.
The moving offertory gifts included a fishing rod and other sporting symbols, while Mr O’Donnell’s coffin was adorned with wreaths bearing the words ‘Husband’, ‘Father’ and ‘Uncle’.
The chief mourners included Leanne O’Donnell, the couple’s children Joseph, Jason, Ruby and toddler Rosie who was born just four months ago. Mr O’Donnell is also survived by his mother Irene, siblings and a wide circle of extended family and friends. LAST Sunday Michael ‘Mike’ Dineen appeared at a special sitting of Mallow District Court charged with Patrick O’Donnell’s murder.
Detective Sergeant James O’Shea told Judge Aingeal Ní Chonduin that 27-yearold Mr Dineen made no reply when the change was formally put before him shortly before 1.30pm on Sunday at Fermoy Garda Station.
Mr Dineen of Ard Mhuileann, Ballinwillan, Mitchelstown, made no comment during the brief hearing.
Following an application from the State, the judge remanded Mr Dineen in custody to appear before next Friday’s sitting of Fermoy District Court.
The court was told that Mr Dineen was already on medication before the alleged events of last Friday and the judge directed, at the request of his legal team, for Mr Dineen to be provided with whatever medical assistance he might require while in custody.
The court granted free legal aid after hearing that Mr Dineen was in receipt of social welfare and had no other means of income.