The Ardara community has been saddened by the passing of John Paul McGill, a well-known and respected local figure.
Mr McGill was a community man with a deep-rooted connection to Ardara GAA club, beginning as a gifted underage footballer.
He passed peacefully at his home in Maghera, Ardara, on Monday.
Mr McGill made his mark on the pitch both at home and Stateside, having emigrated to Chicago in the 1950s. He and his wife Peggy returned home to Maghera in the 70s.
Mr McGill’s son Pat is a long-time Donegal NY star player and the current Chairman of the Donegal New York GAA club.
A tribute from Clg Ard An Ratha mourns the loss of a great local character:
“John Paul was a very talented footballer and played on both the Club U16 and Minor teams who reached their respective County Finals in 1949 and 1951,” said a statement from the club.
“John Paul was known as being tough as nails and a great fielder of the ball, usually playing in the half back line. Like so many others of the time, emigration shortly after the Minor final in 51, meant a promising senior career at home was cut short.
“His travels eventually took him to Chicago and he resumed his playing career in the windy city, winning 3 Senior Championship medals with the McBrides Club in 1958/59 and 60.
“When Peggy and John Paul and family settled back home in the 1970s, John Paul took a keen interest in following both Club and County teams, with sons John and Pat going on to represent Ardara with distinction, something he always took great pride in.
“His death sees another great local character go to his eternal reward. We express our deepest sympathy to Peggy, daughters Margie, Kathy and Dina, sons Pat and John, and their families.”
Obituary Details:
The peaceful death of John Paul McGill has occurred at his home in Maghera, Ardara, Co. Donegal. Deeply missed by his loving wife Peggy, sons John (Denise), Pat (Jacqui), daughters Margie (Chris), Kathy (Gary), Dina (PJ), granddaughters, Ashley (Brendan), Meghan, Sophie and Lucy. Sisters Celine (Killybegs), Vera (Donegal town), Sally (England). Extended family, neighbours and good friends. Predeceased by his parents, Peter and Sarah, brothers Jimmy, Teague, Eamon, Peter and sisters Kathleen, Peggy and Mary.
Remains reposing at McCabes Funeral Home, Ardara on Tuesday 25th March from 4pm till 8pm, followed by private removal to the family home.
Remains reposing at the family home on Wednesday 26th March from 2pm till 8pm.
Funeral mass on Thursday at 12 noon in the Church of the Holy Family, Ardara, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
House private please on the morning of the funeral.
Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to Killybegs Community Hospital, care of McCabe Funeral Directors or any family member.
