Passing of Jack Furey mourned in south and south-west Donegal

News of the death of Jack Furey, Brenter, Dunkineely was learned with much sadness over a wide area.

Known throughout Donegal and much further afield through his association with the Gaelic Athletic Association, Jack was a player, referee and administrator over a big part of his lifetime.

Jack was also widely known through his work with the P&T, more recently known as Eircom, which saw him cover most of south and south-west Donegal.

But it was through his involvement with the GAA that he became so well known. As a player he won a Junior Championship medal with St Naul’s as a half-back in 1972 and he was central to the formation of the Naomh Ultan club in Dunkineely.

Jack also played for an amalgamation in South Donegal St Enda's in 1969.

St Enda's 1969 with the late Jack Furey in back row 3rd from left

He went on to serve as chairman of the Dunkineely-based club and was the prime mover in Naomh Ultan’s development of their present pitch. It was a proud moment for him when it was officially opened in 1997 with Donegal playing Roscommon and captained by Naomh  Ultan legend and All-Ireland winner Martin Shovlin.

But it was probably as a GAA referee that Jack Furey was best known, not just in Donegal but throughout Ulster. He refereed every major final in Donegal including the senior finals of 1980 and 1986 as well as Gaeltacht finals.

In Ulster he refereed Dr McKenna Cup and U-21 finals and was an umpire at Ulster finals on a number of occasions. Jack was chairman of the Donegal Referees’ Committee for a period oin the 1980s.

Predeceased by his parents John and Jane, his siblings, Nan, Caroline, Eileen, Kathleen and Bobby,  Jack will be sadly missed by his loving wife Nan; his sons Sean (Maureen), Adrian (Monica), Paul (Debra); daughters Donna (Sean), Karen (John), Jacqueline (Michael), Janet (John) and his 19 adoring grandchildren, his extended family, great neighbours and friends.

Jack’s remains reposing at his residence from 3 pm to 9 pm on Saturday and Sunday. His remains leave his residence on Monday at 10.30 am for funeral mass at 11 am in the Church of St. Joseph and St. Conal, Bruckless. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.