O'Donovan, Fr Donal
January 14, 2012
It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of esteemed club vice president Fr Donal O'Donovan of Chapel Street.
Fr O'Donovan was a native of Dunmanway and spent his boyhood days in the parish, which included being educated at St Patrick's National school, where he developed a keen interest in Gaelic games. He established himself as a footballer and became involved with the local team, Dohenys.
He played senior football with the Dohenys during the 1940s and he also helped neighbouring club Clonakilty to win two county senior titles in 1946-1947. His medal collection, which he proudly displayed in his sitting room, included those of his uncle, Jerry O'Donovan, a member of the famed Dohenys team who were county and Munster champions and All-Ireland finalists in 1897. His pride and joy was the minor West Cork medal he himself won with Dohenys in 1942.
At a young age he followed the path of his older brother, Denis, and studied for the priesthood His ambition was fulfilled when he was ordained in 1950. As a priest Fr O'Donovan spent the most of his career in the USA, completing his time there as monsignor in the diocese of Wheeling, West Virginia.
On his retirement in the early 1990s, he returned to his native Dunmanway, where he took up residence in his newly erected bungalow overlooking his beloved Chapel Lake. He immediately showed great interest in the activities of the local club, especially at underage level, and gave it his full support up to his final days. During his retirement he displayed his flair for writing and research when he completed editions of local history concerning the murder of Canon Magnier and the life of Fr Michael Doheny, PP Dunmanway.
He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him. To his sister, nieces, nephews, relations and friends the club offers its sincere sympathy. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.
- Courtesy of Southern Star, 14th January 2012
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