The funeral takes place today of Patrick ‘Packie’ Gildea, the Glenties man killed in a road traffic accident on New Year’s day.
The well-known and fondly-remembered 39 year old died after his jeep struck a wall between Ballybofey and Fintown.
The esteem in which Packie was held in the local community was evident by the hundreds of people who have called to his home at Straboy in recent days.
Packie, a single man, was a farmer who worked on his father Gerry’s farm.
Many recalled Packie’s gentle nature and how he always had time to chat to old and young alike.
A fine underage footballer with Naomh Conail, there was no prouder Donegal man than Packie when Michael Murphy held aloft the Sam Maguire Cup at Croke Park in September.
Packie is survived by his father Gerry, brothers John, Gerard and Joseph and his sister Ann, sister-in-law Sharon, brother-in-law Declan and nephews Fionn, Tadhg and Oisin.
He was predeceased by his loving and fondly-remembered mother Sarah who passed away six years ago.
The last time Donegal Daily met Packie was in March when he threw himself into the world record attempt for most leprechauns in one place.
He was in great form and delighted to be part of a community effort and in the middle of the craic.
A picture of Packie in full leprechaun attire with nephew Oisin sat proudly beside his coffin last night at his home.
Our deepest sympathy is extended to dad Gerry and Packie’s brothers and sister.
But we now that, although he’s gone, he’ll be shouting on McGuinness and the boys along with Sarah with all the true spirit of a Glenties and Donegal supporter.
His funeral mass takes place at St Connell’s Church in Glenties at 11am.
May you rest in peace Packie.
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