'A True Donegal Woman' - Ballyshannon mourns Fiona Kane Feeney

Canon Michael McGoarty told the congregation at Fiona Kane Feeney’s Funeral Mass at St Joseph’s Church in The Rock, Ballyshannon, that she “radiated positivity” and fought her fight with “customary resilience.”

St Joseph’s Church was at full capacity for Fiona Kane Feeney’s Funeral Mass on Tuesday, November 3, after she had passed peacefully at North West Hospice, Sligo, surrounded by her loving family.

At the beginning of the service, possessions symbolising Fiona’s life were brought to the front of the congregation, including an alchemist stone to represent her passion for alternative medicine and more holistic forms of healing, a travel book because she had travelled to a variety of countries, rosary beads for her deep spirituality, and a hoodie from the 2026 Fleadh Cheoil na h’Éireann in Belfast, as she was delighted to be there and to hear her niece Colleen playing at the event.

Canon McGoarty told mourners: “Fiona loved her life, her family, her friends and her career. Fiona was and is a beautiful, caring, loving, loyal, resilient, and selfless woman.

“Fiona always put the needs of others ahead of her own, and she always saw the best in others. She met her challenges head-on and was always determined to get the right outcome. She radiated positivity and had a great capacity to see the funny side of life, while demonstrating a fantastic sense of humour.”

He continued: “Fiona had all the time and the deepest love for Ballyshannon and its people. She was a true Donegal woman to boot. It meant so much to be back in Portnason because these were her roots, her deep connection, her bond with her Nana Mary, the nine Tuesdays and the famous pilgrimage to Knock in 1979 to see Pope John Paul II.

“Fiona had a successful career in fashion, beauty therapy and holistic care, and business consulting. It was during the fashion period in Sligo that Fiona first set her eyes on the man who was called Sligo by one of Fiona’s friends on a providential night at Jumpin’ Jacks in Bundoran.

“That was a very providential night, because that night something was beginning when it already had begun, because they had bumped into each other in Sligo. Something was growing that fateful night. They grew in love, and it was a love that grew and lasted throughout the years.

“Fiona had a great love for rugby and attended the Scotland-Ireland match in March 2024 when Ireland won the Six Nations. Fiona loved to travel, and with John they got to experience the delights of Egypt, Pakistan, India, and Jordan - loving, and learning, and exploring, and meeting people from all cultures, backgrounds and religions.

Canon McGoarty spoke of Fiona’s love for music, including her love for traditional Irish music after her niece and Goddaughter, Colleen, started playing the accordion and the fiddle.

He commented: “Fiona enjoyed the craic, the music, the buzz, and the excitement at the Trad Sessions in the Bridge Bar, Granny Annie's, and Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen, where Colleen played. Fiona attended numerous county, provincial and All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoils in Mullingar, Wexford, and Belfast to hear Colleen play in her solo, duet, and céilí band competitions, which resulted in a new social network that was vastly expanded through the gift of Irish music.”

Regarding her illness, Cannon McGoarty stated: “Fiona, with her customary resilience, fought the great fight with her illness, and she did not let cancer define her or limit her absolute love for life.

“Fiona enjoyed the last six weeks in the care of the North West Hospice staff, and she got to know each staff member in a very personal way. She spoke to them, listened to their stories, and she was still trying to help, to guide, still being compassionate and tender.

“This demonstrates something very special about Fiona. Her care for the other, even when her situation was so serious. This is an incredible witness to Fiona’s deep spirituality, which was expressed so many times here at St Joseph’s over the years.”

In 2025, Fiona gave an interview to the Irish Independent, where it was stated she was “passionate about raising awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms and the importance of early detection.”

When speaking of women on a similar journey as herself, Fiona said: “I have nothing but good wishes for everyone who is on this journey.

“Connect with people who understand and support you and look after your body.

“If you are on the same cancer journey as myself, keep going.”

She also told the Irish Independent about her determination not to be held back by her illness, as she had recently returned to study occupational safety and health.

Fiona said: “I was at the stage of my life that I went through a lot of wellness courses, and I realise now they will help me through this journey.

“I try to meditate 20 minutes a day, and I do a lot of affirmations.

“I firmly believe in them, as communicating positively with yourself is a good form of medicine.

“I try to walk daily, but the walking has changed a bit. I used to walk 40 minutes a day, but if I get to 15 now, I am happy. I do meditative walking and just enjoy everything that is around me. I still enjoy meeting up with family and friends.”

Fiona Kane Feeney was predeceased by her parents Alan and Patricia and mother-in-law Helen Feeney.

She will be sadly missed by her husband John, sisters Frances (Robert) and Grainne (John) and brother Pauric, her nephew Eoghan, niece and goddaughter Colleen, her father-in-law John, sister-in-law Alison (David) and their children Emily, Avril and Andrew and all her extended family and friends.