The committee, players and members of An Mhaigh Tir na nOg GAC deeply regret the death of Eileen Donaghy, wife of the late Pat, beloved mother of former players and current members Patrick, Liam, Colm, Plunkett, Seanie and Paul, and grandmoher of youth playing members Aaron, Steve, Adam, Josh, Jack, Connor, Scott, Lucy and Carmel. A dark shadow was cast over the entire Moy community as news broke of Eileen's sad passing. She was a famous figure and much loved lady who brightened the lives of many people across a wide spectrum during her life-time. Known the length and breadth of the country for her singing talents, Eileen will also be fondly remembered for her warmth and cheerful disposition. She was a true lady in every sense of the word. Eileen, of course, loved everything about the Moy and was also a great supporter of our club down through the years. Along with Frankie Duffy, I had the pleasure of interviewing Eileen at her home earlier this year as part of our research for the club's soon-to-be-launched Centenary book. In typical fashion, she welcomed us with open arms to her house on the Dungannon Road and relayed some wonderful memories of how the GAA had played a big part in her married and family life. Wife of the late and legendary Pat Donaghy RIP, she recalled her husband's love and passion for gaelic games and how he had influenced each of their sons to follow in his footsteps. Eileen did her own bit for the GAA by washing the Moy team jerseys in all of the years that big Pat was in charge of the senior side and took a keen interest in her husband's involvement as a player and team mentor. She took great pride in the fact that all of her sons would go on to wear the Moy jersey and recounted how football was always a hot topic in the Donaghy household. Eileen also recalls the amount of extra laundry tat had to be dealt with when her boys came home from a match or training, but it was never a burden to her. She loved her family and was happy to see them involved in such a great organisation like the GAA. She was also an avid Tyrone supporter and closely followed their fortunes from the 1950s when her husband Pat played in defence for the Red Hands and was a member of the very first Tyrone team to win the Ulster Senior Championship. That first Ulster triumph for Tyrone at Clones back in 1956 was a very special day indeed for the Donaghys as big Pat lined out at corner back while Eileen provided the pre-match and half-time entertainment when singing to the crowd over a loudspeaker. Little did she know then that two of her sons, Colm and Plunkett, would also go on to win Ulster senior football medals with Tyrone. During the course of our interview, the love and pride Eileen felt for her family as always very much evident. Just last year, she attended the Moy GAC Annual Dinner Dance and Presentation Night at Kelly's Inn, Garvaghy which honoured the Silver Jubilee Intermediate champions of 1982. Five of Eileen's sons were on that championship winning squad and were among those who received a presentation on the night, while she was also called upon to collect a special momento on behalf of her late husband Pat, who had been part of the management team. It was, she said, one of the most enjoyable Dinner Dances she had ever attended. Eileen was a remarkable woman whose passing has left a huge void in Moy and beyond. To her entire family circle, we at the club extend our heartfelt condolences. May she rest in peace. - The Tyrone Times, November 4, 2008 Tweet

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