Convoy stands still as Danny MacBride is laid to rest

Convoy came to a standstill on Sunday afternoon as hundreds of mourners turned out to say a final farewell to popular businessman and rally driver Danny MacBride.

It was just how he would’ve loved: the centrepiece for the attention of his village. Sadly, though, for Danny, who passed away on Thursday, it was to be his last journey through Convoy.

St Mary’s Church was packed-to-overflowing as Fr Eamon Kelly remembered the infectious Danny, who was aged just 50. Late of Broadroad, Killynure, Convoy, Danny died at Letterkenny University Hospital.

The 50-year-old was one of the proprietors of the successful MacBride Bros Joinery, founded in 1993.

“It is a rougher piece of wood that we rely on today,” Fr Kelly told mourners.

“It was not carved with gentleness or patience but it was cut roughly and not sanded down. Two pieces of coarse wood became the crucifixion intersection that we depend on today because upon that wooden beam our Lord and Saviour agonised and died so that even in the sadness of a day like this we could cling to hope.”

A keen motorsport enthusiast, Danny was a long-time competitor in tarmac rallies. Since the 1990s he competed in the Donegal International Rally and rallies across the country on a regular basis.

In 2008, he won Group N in the Donegal Harvest Rally in a VIII Lancer. He competed first in a Suzuki Swift and most recently competed, with his son Evan calling the notes, in a Honda Civic.

The Donegal Motor Club formed a guard of honour, as did the local Convoy Arsenal FC and Danny’s contributions to Relay For Life were noted with a large volume of members present. 

Fr Kelly said: “His work in helping to build McBride Bros Joinery into what it now is, speaks volumes of his ability, dedication and salesmanship.

“His survival of cancer and not wanting to waste time reminds us how valuable every day is. His giving back to society and giving to others – the Relay For Life with the Convoy Cowboys; his sponsorship of Convoy Arsenal, Finn Harps and various charities testify to his eagerness to help.

“His willingness to talk about the cancer and the sickness encouraged many not to give up hope and indeed inspired many, especially men, to go and see the doctor.”

Fr Kelly recalled how Danny was once quoted as telling a doctor that he would have to reschedule a bout of treatment. “It’s the Donegal International, you know,” Danny declared to the medic.

“He loved the thrill of the rally and the comradeship that went with it,” Fr Kelly said.

“Like all good rally people he complained that it was only a mug’s game for ‘it cost a fortune and, if you won, you got a piece of crystal that you could have bought for twenty quid!’

“‘You are never busy by coincident,’ he often remarked and it is no wonder that he tried to cram so much into life.”

Outside of motorsport, he was a keen motorcyclist and was a strong supporter of all things in his local community.

Predeceased by his father, Eamonn, ‘The Convoy Cowboy’ in 2008, Danny is survived by his wife Yvonne, son Christopher and partner Eimhear, son Daniel and partner Naomi, sons Evan and Eamonn, daughter Louise and partner Philip, and grandson Harry, his brothers, sisters, extended family circle, neighbours and many friends.

“Over all his activities and work Danny had another great love: his family,” Fr Kelly said. “Danny MacBride did not think he was blessed – he knew he was blessed in his family and in the love he knew and experienced.”