News of the sudden and unexpected death of Hugh Dorrian, Meentullynagarn, Killybegs, which occurred at his home on Saturday, 2nd March was learnt of with deep regret, sadness and disbelief by all who knew him. Better known as Hughie, deceased was a very generous and unassuming man. Born into a farming family, his late parents, Patrick and Catherine Dorrian were held in high esteem. In the early 1960s Hughie took over the running of the family farm. He worked hard to build up a splendid herd of suckler-cows. Last August he fell ill, at which time he bowed out of farming. He spent the next few months in and out of hospital. Having made a great recovery, he was discharged in January. He was back to his old self again, spending much of his time visiting relatives and friends. Hughie always harboured a great love for Irish traditional music and song. At weekends, wherever there was a session of Irish music being played, Hughie was sure to be there. Apart from his family, his other real love was for the GAA. His presence could be heard at all Gaelic matches, cheering the Killybegs and Donegal teams through many a victory and defeat. While deceased could be very vocal in support of his favourite team, he would never resort to using bad language. No matter how much he disagreed with a decision made by the referee, he would never shout abuse at the Ref. It is safe to say that no one in Donegal was as proud as Hughie, when in 1992, Donegal won the All-Ireland final. I was in the Canal-end that day. A few minutes after the referee blew the full-time whistle, I got a bear's hug from behind, looking around I saw it was Hughie with tears of joy in his eyes. The boys had pulled it off. What a great day that was, the Sam Maguire Cup was on its way to the hills of Donegal!! Hughie was in hospital at the time of last year's Donegal County final. That was the first final he missed in fifty years. In the good old days before the All-Ireland final became an all ticket affair. Deceased was an annual visitor to Dublin on the third Sunday in September. In Dublin, he stayed with his former neighbours and friend, Charlie Joe Gallagher, Meengilcarry. There was always a big welcome in Gallaghers for their Donegal friends. Charlie Joe's wife, Marie hales from Mayo. Hughie usually drove up to Dublin on the Friday before the big game. Often he would be accompanied by a couple of 'extras', something three or four. When they would arrived at Gallaghers some of the company would suggest looking for bed and breakfast. Marie would not hear tell of such chat. She always managed to make everyone comfortable. Charlie Joe and Marie's hospitality knows no bounds. However, with the hassle of trying to get a ticket, in recent years, Hughie watched the game on TV from the comfort of his own sitting room. It was most fitting that a minute's silence was observed in memory of Hughie, before the start of the Donegal v Tyrone league game played in Ballybofey on Sunday 3rd March, the day after Hughie's death. Fitting However, his real talent lay with the cards. He would do a lot of socialising with neighbours while at the same time displaying a sometimes too impressive knack for all the favourite card games. He enjoyed bingo also and was a regular at the Glenties and Killybegs sessions. Hughie was generous, friendly and well liked, with a sharp mind and quick wit. He had his share of life's sorrows in that his wife, Sinead, who was principal of Killybegs Primary School, died in October 1985. He was also predeceased by his brother, Paddy Joe, who died suddenly in March 1976. The esteem and regret felt for the deceased, his family and extended family was manifested at the very large attendance at the removal of his remains from Letterkenny Hospital to St. Mary's Church, Killybegs and again at the funeral mass the next morning. The chief celebrant was Fr. Lorenzo Bracken, MHM, assisted by Fr Philip Daly, C.C., Kilclooney and Fr Nigel Gallagher, a friend of the bereaved family. In his homily, Fr Bracken paid a glowing tribute to the deceased, on the many qualities he possessed. In conclusion, he expressed sympathy to the family on their sad loss. There was a meaningful family and friends participation in the liturgy of the mass. His sister-in-law, Brid Herron and Marion Boyle, niece, read the lessons. The beautiful singing of the hymns by Therese Campbell, accompanies on accordion by Peter Oliver McNeilis and the playing of the organ by the son of the deceased, Leonard Dorrian, added a significant touch to the very sad occasion. Internment took place to the family plot in Bruckless Cemetery. The late Hugh Dorrian is survived by sons, Kevin and Leonard, brother Peter , USA, sisters Mary Gollaghly, the USA and Rose Conwell, Killybegs, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. A large number of nieces and nephews and other relatives, to whom much sympathy is extended. - courtesy of the Donegal Democrat 25th April 2002 Tweet

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