Tributes have paid to a devoted family man and respected figure in the Derry GAA community following his death earlier this week.
Patrick O’Donnell, who won the All-Ireland minor football championship and the Ulster title at Under 21 level, was a former coach of the Derry senior ladies football team.
The father-of-two was described as “one of Banagher’s finest men” following a decorated playing career with his home club, and a “great friend to many” in Magherafelt where he was a former manager of both the men’s and ladies’ senior football teams.
He was described as a “beloved husband” and “loving father” in a family notice following his untimely passing.
O’Donovan Rossa Banagher GAC Magherafelt posted on its Facebook page: “Deepest sympathies to the O’Donnell family on the sudden and untimely passing of Patrick, RIP.
“Patrick was a former manager of both our senior men and senior ladies teams.
“While he never denied his roots in his beloved Banagher, he was a great friend to many around Rossa Park and that big smile will be remembered by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him.
“He will be sadly missed by his close group of friends, none more so than his cousin Eamon Lynch, father of Rossa senior players Odhran and Michael and underage coach Niamh.
“Our thoughts at this sad time are with his wife Briege, his two daughters Emer and Aine, both former senior ladies footballers and the extended O’Donnell family.
“Mary, Queen of the Gael, pray for him 🙏🏻”
Banagher GAC posted: “It’s with great sadness & a heavy heart that we announce the sudden passing of Patrick O Donnell – a former player & a loyal & dedicated member of our club.
“Patrick was a fine footballer throughout his underage and Senior career .
“In 1983 he won an all Ireland minor football medal alongside 3 other Banagher men – Eamon lynch , Peter Mc Grellis and Liam Mc Grellis.
“In 1986 he was on the Derry under 21 football panel that won the ulster title .
“In 1991 Patrick made his championship debut for Derry senior footballers at full back against Tyrone in which Derry won that day . Patrick played many years at Senior football for Banagher .
“In 1984 and 1995 Patrick won the Dr Kerlin cup and in 1996 he won the double winning the Division 2 football league & Dr Kerlin cup.
“In 2015 at our 50th Gala celebrations Patrick was also named on Banagher best team over the 50yrs.
“Patrick attended games regularly supporting our teams through the highs and the lows .
“Patrick is one of Banagher’s finest men.
“Always greeting people with a big smile & a word for everyone when he came into Fr Mc Nally park.
“We offer our sincere sympathy to his wife Briege, his daughter’s Emer and Aine and his son in law’s, his parents John & Mary and sisters Jacqueline, Anne,Sharon, Frances, Shauna, Brenda & Emma and all the O Donnell family circle at this very sad time.
“Mary Queen of the Gael pray for him 🙏💙🇶🇦”
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