Community suffers huge loss The morning of May 15 last was a sad and tearful occasion in the parish of Kilmacduane. As news spread of the sudden death of young Mark Donnellan of Clohanbeg, neighbours and friends gathered to try and come to terms with the tragedy that had befallen the Donnellan family and Mark's many relations and friends. Mark was an affable and carefree young man and was a gifted sportsman. He played at all levels for Cooraclare GAA club and from an early age, featured prominently on a number of teams. His footballing prowess earned him recognition at county level, where Mark wore the county jersey, with distinction, at all levels from under-14 to minor. Just eight days before his death, Mark lined out at wing half forward for the Cooraclare Juniors. The Cooraclare U21 team took to the field without one of its most dependable and loyal players. On the field, as off it, Mark epitomised total honesty but total honesty with a smile. Mark was also a talented hurler, initially with Clonbony, and then with both Kilmihil and Clarecastle. Throughout last summer, Mark was employed by Clare GAA as a summer camp coach. He was an instant hit and the children of Clare were indeed fortunate to have such an excellent role model as a tutor. Growing up in Donnellan's house, it was perhaps inevitable that Mark would enjoy much success in the jersey of Kilmihill AC. He relished the challenge of cross-country in particular but whether he won or not, Mark's smile was ever present when crossing the finishing line - a model athlete with a model attitude. As a student of Clohanbeg National School, Kilmihil Community College or Limerick Tutorial College, where Mark and his sister Aoife were preparing for their leaving Certificate exams, Marks gentle approach to life made him a most popular colleague. His devastated friends have spoken movingly of Mark's impact on their lives, best encapsulated in the chorus of a song penned in his memory: "But never mind the distance Mark, It won't keep us apart, Your memory stays forever more, Enshrined within our hearts," Mark was happiest with his family. Along with his brother Thomas and friends, the Nolan brothers, Enda, Gearoid, Damien and Brian, Nolan's field was indeed a theatre of dreams. Mark adored his sisters Aoife and Niamh and was everything an older brother could be to Caoibhon, Diarmuid and Ronan. Cyril and Margaret were both Mark's parents and his best friends and his nan Tess was a trusted guiding light in his all too short life. Yes, May 15 witnessed a huge outpouring of grief. Over the following few days, Mark's friends, fellow students and team mates, paid heartful tributes to a fine young man, who touched the lives of so many in a very gentle, unassuming way. The sadness and despair etched in the minds and hearts of the huge attendance at Mark's funeral was in stark contrast to Mark's love of live and the beaming smile. Cinnte, Ni bheidh a leitheid ann aris. May his smiling sporting soul rest gently in peace. Coorclare GAA club Courtesy of the Clare Champion 25th July, 2008 Tweet

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