Bannigan, Danny
April 10, 2008
It was with some deep regret that Danny Bannigan passed to his eternal reward at his residence Woodlawn, Stranoriar on Tuesday 1st April after a short illness bravely borne.
A native of Hegaltion, Ballyshannon (born 1933) Danny had a keen interest in everything Irish especially Gaelic football. He was a distinguished member of the great Abbey Shamrocks team of the late forties and early fifties and the keen rivalry and many great games between themselves and neighbours Aodh Ruadh are indeed still remembered and often recalled. When Abbey Shamrocks was disbanded in the mid fifties due to a lack of playing members and emigration. Danny threw in his lot with Aodh Ruadh to become one of the outstanding club full backs in the County at senior level. He was a commanding full back in Aodh Ruadh march to successive County Senior Finals in 1956 and 1957 against St. Eunan's Letterkenny and Dungloe respectively. This was at a time when Senior Co. Championships was of an exceptionally high standard.
Danny stood out against all commers and a great admirer of his was the great Sean O'Donnell of Dugloe, Donegal and Ulster Railway Cup fame. Some of Danny's Aodh Ruadh team mates in those years included Sean McHugh, Sean Kane, Jackie McDermott, Jim "the match" Gallagher, Sean McCormack, brothers Mick and Matt Regan, brothers Joe and Owen Roe O'Neill, Eddie John Gonigle, Brian Stephens, Tom Gallagher, Packie Boyle, Tommy Casey, Teddy Loughlin, Gardai Danny Sweeney and John Reilly, John McCready, John Murray, Michael Cooney, John Murphy, some of whom have since gone to their eternal reward (RIP).
In his working career Danny gave loyal and wonderful service to first CDR ( County Donegal Railways) and later CIE - 46 years in all. He commenced with CDR in Ballyshannon in the early fifties and operated as a conductor on the Ballyshannon/ Donegal Rail Bus with Joe Thompson as driver. When the Railway sadly closed on the 31st December 1959 he transferred to the Road Service with CIE and resided in Lifford operating as conductor on the Lifford/Letterkenny/Donegal/Sli go route. He was later promoted to Bus Inspector a position he held until his retirement in 1998. When in Lifford he was engaged with the local GAA Club both as a player and administrator.
On marriage he transferred to CIE Headquarters at Stranoriar where Woodlawn became his permanent home. In the twin towns he joined the local Sean MacCumhaill's GAA Club and became involved in Stranorlar Church affairs. He was one of the main fund raisers in the building of he beautiful Social Centre at the rear of Stranorlar Church. It was fitting that family members and friends attended his interment in Dramboe Cemetery were all treated to beautiful refreshments in the Centre by a very able committee following is burial on Thursday 3rd April, 2008.
After leaving school and prior to joining CDR he spent several seasons salmon fishing on the Erne Estuary as a member of he Duggan family (Kildokey) crew and simply loved it.
A great friend and terrific company Danny was a most upright, honourable and likable individual. He will be sadly missed by family and friends alike.
Pre-deceased by his brother Tony he is survived by his wife Kathleen, daughters Margaret, Joan, Katherine and son Danny. Brothers Noel, Eoin and Tommy, sisters Mary, Angela and Maragaret to whom deepest sympathy is extended. May his dear soul rest in peace.
Courtesy of the Donegal Democrat
10th April 2008
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