The late Donal Rabbette Clara and Tullamore were in deep shock following the sudden death, in New York, of Clara businessman, Donal Rabbette, Kilcoursey, at the age of 38. Owner's of Doc's Bar, Clara, and DOC Design, Tullamore, he was deeply involved in Clara GAA. The deceased had been in New York to attend the christening of a cousin, and had attended July 4 celebrations. The deceased was educated at Scoil Phrionsias Naofa primary school and Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa secondary school before attending the Institutes of Technology in Athlone and Bolton Street, Dublin, where he received his qualifications in Architectural studies. Donal spent a number of years working in the US and England before returning to Ireland where he established a thriving Architectural Services business in Tullamore ten years ago, trading under the style of DOC Design. In recent years, Donal and his family ran Danny's Pub in Clara and recently purchased Docs Pub, where they run a very successful family pub business. Donal was an avid GAA fan and was a member of the Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa football team that won the All-Ireland finals in 1983. Donal also played hurling and football with his local GAA Club and was a selector on the Clara Junior A and Intermediate hurling teams that won the Offaly Hurling Championships in recent years. Donal was also an active member of the local GAA committee and as vice-chairman dedicated much of his time to encouraging and nurturing hurling at under age level in the local GAA club and local schools. Donal was a great sportsman and was passionate about his favourite Celtic football team and regularly attended matches in Glasglow. Donal had a great love of all things Irish and was a fluent Irish speaker. Donal was very well known in his hometown of Clara and was held in high esteem by everyone who knew him in the wider community of Offaly and further afield. Donal's remains returned to Clara from New York following a hugely attended removal in the US. Donal's remains were removed from his home in Kilcoursey to St Bridgid's Church in Clara. The funeral Mass was followed by internment in the Monastery Cemetery in Clara. Ar dheis De go raibh se. Sincere sympathy is extended to his parents Danny and Nuala, brothers Paul, Sean and Padraig and sister Mary, sisters-in-law Colette and Samantha, uncles (including Fr Jack Fallon, CSSP), nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. Courtesy of The Offaly Express 12 July 2006 Tweet

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