Donegal County Council mourns the passing of Enda Bonner

The Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Gary Doherty, and Deputy Chief Executive, Garry Martin, on behalf of the elected members and staff of Donegal County Council, have expressed their profound sadness following the passing of former Councillor, Mayor and Senator, Enda Bonner.

Enda served as a member of Donegal County Council between 1999 and 2019, representing the Glenties Electoral Area with commitment, integrity and distinction.

He also served as Mayor of Donegal County Council from 2006 to 2007 and as a member of Seanad Éireann from 1997 to 2002.

Throughout his tenure on Donegal County Council, Enda made a significant contribution to local government through his active involvement on a wide range of Council committees and representative bodies.

He served as a valued member of the Fisheries & Coastal Protection Committee, Islands Committee, Coiste na Gaeilge, Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR), Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN), Donegal County Council Audit Committee, Economic and Enterprise Strategic Policy Committee, Roads and Transportation Committee, and the Planning & Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee.

Enda was widely respected for his dedication to the communities he represented and for his strong advocacy on behalf of rural and coastal communities, economic development, infrastructure investment, Irish language initiatives and community development across the county.

Beyond public life, Enda was deeply involved in the GAA and made an immense contribution to Gaelic Games in Donegal. He proudly played football for his native An Clochán Liath and for the Donegal senior football team. His lifelong commitment to the GAA continued long after his playing days, serving as both Chairperson and Vice-President of his local club and contributing significantly to its development and success.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Gary Doherty, said: "Enda Bonner devoted his life to serving others. Whether as a County Councillor, Mayor, Senator, community advocate or proud Donegal Gael, he always worked tirelessly on behalf of the people and communities he represented.

“His contribution to local government, his work across numerous Council committees and his commitment to the social and economic development of Donegal have left a lasting legacy. Enda was respected by colleagues across all political parties and was held in the highest regard throughout the county. On behalf of the elected members of Donegal County Council, I extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Phylis, his children Elaine, Patrick and Elizabeth, and to his extended family, friends and former colleagues."

Deputy Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, Garry Martin, added: "Enda Bonner made an exceptional contribution to public life in Donegal over many decades. He was a highly respected member of Donegal County Council whose knowledge, experience and commitment greatly enriched the work of the Council.

“Through his involvement on numerous committees and representative bodies, he helped shape and influence many important developments across the county. His dedication to public service, community development and the GAA reflected his deep commitment to Donegal and its people. On behalf of the staff of Donegal County Council, I offer our sincere condolences to Phylis, Elaine, Patrick and Elizabeth and to all who mourn his passing."