The funeral of PJ McGettigan has been told that he was a “kind, caring person” full of compassion, and love for his children and grandchildren.
PJ and his sister Una tragically died following a road accident in Kilmacrennan on Wednesday night.
Una’s funeral is set to take place at the Church of St John the Baptist in Carrigart later today.
A large crowd gathered for PJ’s requiem mass St Columba’s Church, Termon this afternoon, including family, friends and many former colleages who knew PJ from his work as a psychiatric nurse and physiotherapist, as well as his huge involvement in boxing in Donegal.
PJ was a psychiatric nurse for 35 years until his retirement, and also became President of the Donegal Boxing Board and a member of the Ulster Boxing Council also.
Image credit – NW Newspix
He was well-known by many as a coach at Carrigart Boxing Club, who was dedicated to the sport.
Termon Parish Priest Father Martin Chambers recalled PJ’s many exploits and compassionate nature in his homily during today’s funeral mass.
“He became a psychiatric nurse for 35 years, helping people, and had great compassion in the work that he did.”
“He was a gifted man with his hands, whether it was fixing or making various toys for the grandchildren, or working as a massage therapist. If you went to PJ, you could be sure you went away pain free.”
“As he was a great man with his hands, he also had a great love and a passion for boxing. He was President of the DOnegal boxing board, and in 1987 made history when he was elected to the Ulster Boxing Council.”
“He spent his best years as a coach at Carrigart Boxing Club, where he made many lifelong friends, and plenty of stories to be told of the talents over the years.”
Image credit – NW Newspix
The funeral also heard of the exceptional family man PJ was, and the love that he had for his grandchildren – and that they had for him.
“Not alone was he a good friend, but he was a special father and grandfather to his wonderful grandchildren.”
“He was known to them, as Grandpa PJ.”
“Grandpa PJ could fix anything for them, anything from a toy to a broken bone.”
“When Lana broke her elbow at a Gaelic football match, and spent five hours at the Emergency Department, she piped up and said: ‘Could we not ring Grandpa PJ, and he will fix it for me'”
“You, his family, his neighbours, his work colleagues and his many friends have your own story of this kind, caring person, whom we say our last farewell to today.”
“May you hold onto your memories as you walk through your grief. Don’t be afraid to walk alone, or if you need someone to listen to you, reach out. Always remember Jesus is walking with you on this journey too, and he will never leave you as you grieve for PJ.”