Donie Lyons will be greatly missed

THE death occurred on February 21 at Marymount Hospice of Donal (Donie) Lyons of 63 Lower Cork St, Mitchelstown.

The late Donie in his 76th year was predeceased by his wife Joan (Nee O’Donovan) in 1999. He was employed as a Creamery Manager at Mitchelstown Creameries up to his retirement. He was well known over a wide area.

The late Donie gave a lifetime of service to Mitchelstown GAA. His late father Dan Joe served the club in many capacities including Treasurer from 1959 to 1966 and was an Avondhu senior football selector with the team that won the County SFC title in 1961.

Donie’s first involvement in Mitchelstown GAA was in 1973 when he was appointed Assistant Secretary. He became Treasurer in 1974 and continued in that role for 15 years. In 1989 he became Club Secretary for a year and in 1991 and 1992 he was back again as Treasurer.

He served as Club Runai for three years 1994, 1995 and 1996. He moved back as Treasurer again in 2001 and continued up to the time of his illness in 2011. He served on the committee in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2003 and 2004.

He was appointed Vice President in 2005. Over many years he looked after the club Grounds and took charge of many College. He did a lot of maintenance work and had the pitch ready for games whenever needed.

As well as being involved in GAA, Donie was well known in the local St Vincent De Paul Society. He was a very religious man. He did his weekly hour in the Adoration Room in the local Parish Church and was also a member of the Pastoral Council up to his death.

He was a member of the Lourdes Invalid Group and he assisted with the Lions Club when elderly people from the area went to Trabolgan each year. He would stay overnight as a helper. He was also a lifetime member of the local PTAA.

His funeral was held in private in accordance with Government guidelines and HSE regulations regarding public gatherings (Covid 19). Members of the public, neighbours, GAA members, St Vincent de Paul, PTAA and Lourdes,Group performed a guard of honour as the cortège made its way to the Parish Church for Requiem Mass on Wednesday with burial to Brigown New Cemetery. His coffin was draped with the Mitchelstown GAA colours.

To his sons David, James, grandchildren Jayden, Emma, Danny, Jack, sister Maura (Barry) Glencairn, brother Liam (Thurles) brother in law D J. sister in law Anne, daughter in law Lauren, James partner Sandra Connolly, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends we tender our sincere sympathy.