There is huge sadness after the passing of well-known Malin Head Station Officer, Dara O’Malley Daly.
It was announced today that Dara passed away on Saturday, following a short illness.
Dara was well-known by many as one of the first points of contact with the Malin Head Coast Guard Station, co-ordinating many a rescue and emergency operation.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news that our friend and colleague Dara O’Malley-Daly Station Officer at MRSC Malin Head has passed away, after a short illness,” the Malin Head Coast Guard station posted today.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. He will be sorely missed by us all. Ar dheis Dè a raibh a anam.”
Dara was also the son of the late former Sinn Fein town Commissioner in Ballyshannon, Anthony O’Malley Daly.
He was a huge figure in surfing in Donegal and nationwide, with tributes being paid to him from the surfing community this afternoon.
“Dara’s passion for surfing and contribution to Irish Surfing was immense,” Irish Surfing posted on social media.
“He was our Safety Officer, a former Instructor Developer Tutor, former Secretary and Chairman of Irish Surfing and many other roles.”
“As Chairman, he launched Eurosurf Bundoran ‘11 and led the event organising committee.”
“Dara rarely missed the Intercounties, a member of the infamous Donegal Z team with Kevin Mc Closkey, Dodo Mc Loughlin and Kevin Tobin.”
“At any time, I could pick up the phone to Dara and get the most professional advice. I will miss the many calls and meetings; and his unwavering support for safety in our sport but most of all I will miss a good friend.”
“Deepest condolences to Dara’s family, his wife, Mairead; his sons, Eoin & Oisin; Dara’s mother Mary; siblings, Sarah Orla & Patrick; his extended family and friends and his colleagues at Malin Coastguard.”
Funeral arrangements for Dara are below:
Dara O’Malley Daly, “Rosserne”, Abbeylands, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal. 31st August 2024, peacefully at his home, after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family. Dearly cherished and sorely missed by his wife Mairead (nee Finn), sons Oisin and Eoin, his mother Mary, sisters and brother, Orla, Sarah and Patrick, as well as his nieces, nephews, and a wide community of extended family and friends.
May Dara Rest in Eternal Peace
Reposing at his home Abbeylands, Ballyshannon eircode F94T3P9 from 1pm – 7pm on Sunday, September 1st.
Celebratory Mass at St Patrick’s Church, Ballyshannon, on Monday September 2nd at 11am, followed by burial afterwards at the Abbey cemetery, Ballyshannon. Funeral Mass can be viewed live on www.churchservices.tv/stpatricksballyshannon
House strictly private on morning of funeral.
Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Dara to The North West Hospice, The Mall, Sligo care of donation box at Family Home/Church or Breslin’s Funeral Home.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
