Sad passing of 'talented photographer, artist and blues musician' Dermot Donohue

Dermot Donohue, whose work will forever grace many a sitting room in the north-west, sadly passed away on Saturday in Letterkenny.

Specialising in family portraits and wedding pictures, photographer Dermot was passionate about his work and opened up ‘Donohue Studios’ in the heart of Letterkenny, on its Main Street beside Dillon’s Supermarket, in 1978. His appetite for art, particularly photographs, he would later admit, was whetted whilst a student at the Regional Technical College in Letterkenny, when days in the dark room made him opt for a life with the camera.

Having later relocated to Port Road in an industry that moved fast, Dermot moved with it and would upskill to creating 3D virtual tours, drone stills and footage, executive portraits, business profiles, imaging for web content and print. He was also an accomplished musician and a founding member of Letterkenny Jazz and Blues Festival.

"Rest in peace Dermot Donohue, read a post from the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny. "A very talented local photographer, artist and blues musician. He was always a pleasure to meet at exhibitions and gigs throughout the county."

Letterkenny Blues and Roots Festival said: "We are devastated today to hear about the passing of our good friend, committee member and one of the original founders of the Letterkenny Jazz and Blues Festival, Dermot Donohue. A great man, a blues fanatic, a dynamic performer and with an energy unsurpassed in the Irish Blues scene today. Our condolences go out to his family and friends at this very sad time. RIP DD, God bless you."

Dermot passed away peacefully in the gentle care of the staff in the Donegal Hospice, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by parents Roseleen and Jerry. Survived by his wife Rosemarie, daughter Eva, sons Rory, Julian and Christopher; daughter-in-law Amanda, son-in-law, Joe, grandson Harry, sister, brothers, extended family, neighbours and many friends.

Dermot's remains will repose at his late residence at 73 Ballymacool Wood, Letterkenny, Donegal, F92 P3F2, from today, Sunday, 12 noon. Funeral from there on Tuesday morning for requiem Mass at 11am in St Eunan's Cathedral, Letterkenny, followed by cremation in Lakeland's Crematorium County Cavan at 3.30pm. House private 10pm to 12 noon and morning of funeral.

Funeral Mass on Tuesday can be viewed on Letterkenny Church Services here

Please feel free to leave a message of condolence for Dermot's family in the section below or on Charlie McClafferty Funeral Directors Facebook page. Family flowers please. Donations in lieu of to The Donegal Hospice and Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.