'Devoted husband and beloved father,' Martin McCallion from Buncrana laid to rest

The funeral of Martin McCallion, killed in a workplace accident, has heard how he was “a devoted husband and a beloved father with the most generous heart.”

Mr McCallion of Lisnakelly, Buncrana, who was aged in his early 60s, passed away after sustaining fatal injuries in an incident that occurred at a premises in Umricam last Thursday evening. 

Mr McCallion was brought to Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) by ambulance. However, the Mechanic passed away from his injuries on Saturday morning. 

Celebrant of the requiem mass, Fr. Paddy Baker at St Mary's Church in Cockhill, described the grief that the McCallion family is feeling, “hard to put into words.”

“Whenever the news broke in our parish and in our community, there was widespread shock and a sense of almost disbelief. Not just for his wife Martina and the family, but for all of us in the parish and the wider community.” 

Fr Baker noted that Martin was well known for his work as a mechanic, having worked in Desmond's in Derry, Bradley's in Buncrana, and for Martin Molloy in Maherabeg. 

"Martin worked around the clock. He never saw anyone stuck. Martin was always prepared to go the extra mile to help someone in need. That's the type of person he was that we remember with fondness.”

One of Martin’s biggest passions was sport. When he wasn't working, he loved to play golf on Sunday mornings at Buncrana Golf Club. As a mark of respect, his fellow Club members led a Guard of Honour as his remains entered the church grounds. Another big sporting favourite of Martin’s was supporting his beloved Celtic.

“He wouldn't have been too happy with their exit out of the Champions League the other night,” Fr Baker noted, but he also loved playing “snooker, and the rallies were a very big part of his life.”

The Fahan curate said, despite Martin's love for his work and different sports, “he was first and foremost a family man.”

"His family was the most important thing in his life and was always a priority. He always looked after his family and was always concerned about them. I have no doubt this is a huge load and it's going to be a huge cross to carry.”

Following Martin’s death, hundreds of people attended his home, many of whom he had touched throughout his life, which showed the type of man he was, said Fr Baker. 

“Looking down the chapel today, and all the people gathered here, it's also a testament to how popular this man was. We are all affected so much by his sudden death. None more so than Martin's family. However, in our grief and our sadness, we are here.”

In concluding the eulogy, Fr Baker noted that Celtic Park is known as paradise and “Martin has gone to his paradise now, in heaven with God.”

Several mementos were brought forward to commemorate Martin’s life by his grandchildren. His requiem mass heard that Eoin brought forward a golf club and a Celtic top to signify two of his biggest sporting passions.

Ella then brought forward a family picture and a spanner to showcase his love for his family and his job. Seán Óg also brought forward a rally car, while Finn carried his grandfather’s glasses and phone up to the altar. A Bradley’s T-shirt was another gift brought forward by Ruben. 

Martin’s daughter, Joanne, spoke of her father being a family man. “A devoted husband, beloved father and grandfather, caring son, kind brother and uncle, trusted colleague, loyal friend, and the biggest take a hand. Daddy loved life. He lived for his family, his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his golf on a Sunday.”

Heartbroken, Joanne described her father as someone who would help anyone. “Nothing was ever a bother for Daddy. The kindest soul with the most generous heart, he would have literally given you the shirt off his back. It would probably have been black rotten with oil, but he would still have given it to you if you needed it.” 

Over the last few days, the McCallion family has heard “some wonderful stories and shared some lovely new memories of daddy. He was a simple man. No bells, whistles, bows, or frills. What you saw is what you got.”

“If daddy were here, he would tell you all, tomorrow isn't promised, you can't take it with you. So live life, make new memories, see new places, and maybe buy a scratch card or two along the way.”

Ironically, he told others to slow down, take it easy, when he himself was going through life at 100 miles per hour, Joanne noted. “But you can slow down now, Daddy, and you can take it easy for once. Don't be fixing everyone's car up there.”

On behalf of the McCallion family, Joanne thanked everyone who has offered support over the last week. “A special word of thanks to the paramedics, doctors, and nurses of Letterkenny University Hospital who worked so hard to try to save daddy. Daddy fought so hard to stay with you all, and you all hold a special place in his heart.”

Joanne finished her speech with an emotional poem. “Don't mourn for me, for I am here, in the rising of the sun and every evening, as stars appear, until the new day has begun. Remember me in places that you and I both loved.”

“Think of me and I'll be there, watching from above.  And when you're at your lowest, and you need me by your side. Remember that I am everything, the sun, the sky, the tide. Take my spirit with you as though it were your own and know that I am everywhere, you'll never walk alone.”

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As Martin’s remains were removed from the chapel, there wasn’t a dry eye among the congregation when Jealous of the Angels by Donna Taggart was played.

Following the requiem mass, Mr McCallion was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. Martin will be sadly missed by his wife Martina, children Joanne, Christopher, Jennifer, and Mark, his parents Anna and Barney, and his grandchildren.