Ballintra PP Fr Seamus Dagens asked the most poignant question anyone could ever ask at a funeral when he officiated at the Requiem Mass on Thursday for Ballintra man Dessie McNulty. He asked "Why - in this way, did Dessie die so young. It is hard to accept or explain. In this unforgiving world God sends 'crosses' to test us." Such was the outpouring of grief felt not only in the Ballintra area but throughout the whole north west, with high profile politicians and community activists present in St. Brigid's Church, among these Martin McGuinness, Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister who, twelve years ago, survived an horrific car accident along this same stretch of road. Amidst scenes of sadness many mourners expressed voices of anger and frustration at the numbers of deaths incurred on what is now being dubbed 'the highway of death' - the road between Donegal Town and Balyshannon, where in the last ten years at least 15 people were killed, one for each mile of roadway. Until Sunday last the most recent only a mile away, was the death of a 42 year old pedestrian, Caribbean visitor. "Dessie McNulty was a religious man who loved his prayers and mass, kind, considerate and big hearted, with an unbelievable determination and willpower," added Fr Dagens. Acknowledged as a tasteful painter and decorator, his prowess on the GAA playing fields of Donegal was well documented representing his local club Naomh Brid from underage to senior, featuring on the county minor panel in 1986. Tears of sadness were visible on the faces of the Naomh Brid players who formed a Guard of Honour from Dessie's Forge Avenue home to St Brigid's, where hundreds converged with heads hung low as the singing of 'Nearer My God To Thee' echoed around the walls of this building, which has witnessed more sorrow that jubilation over the years. Though last Thursday's November weather was cold, wet and drizzly, it did not dampen the legacy left behind by this affable Ballintra man, whose kindness and generosity touched the lives of many. It was fitting that family and mourners sought shelter to socialise in the adjacent Community Centre, a building which ironically Dessie was actively involved with the construction of. Donegal Democrat, 20th November 2008 Tweet

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