A popular and well known figure in Fintona and the winder community, Michael Bernard Donnelly (Mickey), has died suddenly but peacefully at his home in Mountain View on the Aughafad Road, Lisnacrieve, Fintona. Michael has spent the last 21 years in his new bungalow on the family farm, where he lived with his late mother, Maggie, caring for her until her death in September 2002. His passing from this life in the afternoon of Monday November 11, surrounded by his family, was very sudden, with Michael leading an active and full life despite some recent health complications, until the Friday before his death.
With daily trips to the local town of Fintona, on to Omagh and at times much further afield with the aid of his Translink bus pass, he was a very recognisable figure in all of the locations he frequented. His passing has came as a shock to his family and many friends.
Michael was born in 1939 and would have been celebrating his 75th birthday in the coming March. He was one of a family of four, of the late Michael and Maggie Donnelly of Lisnacrieve. Being the eldest, Michael is survived by his brother, Joe and his sister, Mary. He is also pre-deceased by his younger sister Sally.
He attended Aughafad Primary School until he was 14 years old before progressing to the tuition of Mrs Devlin's Private School in Omagh. It had initially been the intention for Michael to follow in the footsteps of his father as a policeman. However, he decided this was not the path for him and at the age of 21 he departed for England, landing in Manchester and working on various building sites. He spent several spells in England in various cities, before returning home for the final time, working for local building contractors MK Kelly & O'Hagan Brothers whilst doing his share of work on the family farm.
Michael had a particular knowledge of local history and family connections, one that was unrivalled and uncanny. He had the ability to relay who was related to whom with accurate details of their family history, location and origins. He was often called upon by members of the community to verify these facts, in particular the local clergy of Canon Patrick Marron and Fr Jim Moore.
Michael was also a person of the people, large in stature and in personality but of modest means. He had the ability to converse with any person on any subject, combined with sharp wit and great sense of humour. He enjoyed travelling and socialising, and whilst a proud pioner for 32 years, he could be found at any local event enjoying a diet coke, soaking up the atmosphere while conversing with one and all.
Michael could make friends easily and his caring attitude endeared him to many. One of his great passions in life was for sports, in particular cycling and football of all codes. He was a founder member of the Fintona Cycling Club along with Patsy McElhatton, being the honorary Vice President of the club for many years. He was also an avid supporter of the local football teams, in particular Tattyreagh St Patrick's GAC, Fintona Pearses GFC, Fintona Swifts FC and Eskra Emmets GFC. All of these teams provided a wreath and a club shirt to be displayed at his wake.
Along with this, he enjoyed horse racing, particularly, the social element and could be found placing a bet at various book keeping establishments all over Ulster.
Another great passion was his strong faith and devotion to Our Lady. He was a member of The Legion of Mary for many years, visiting members of the local community with Dan Murray. Following his death, a well-attended wake took place at his residence in Mountain View. His remains were removed to St Lawrence's Parish Church, Fintona and his Requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr Jim Moore and assisted by Canon Patrick Marron. The beautiful music was provided at the service and graveside by James McShane and Stephen Corrigan.
The numbers in attendance were a great testament to Michael's popularity in the local and wider community. His remains were interred in the adjoining St Peter's and St Paul's Cemetery.
Michael is survived by his brother Joe, his sister Mary, his sister-in-law Kay, his nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grand nieces, wider family circle and his many friends.
Safe in the arms of Padre Pio and Our Lady.

Ulster Herald, 12th December 2013 Tweet

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