Deep sadness at sudden passing of popular Ballyshannon man 

There has been a huge outpouring of sadness following the sudden death of Derek Doyle Jnr, late of College Street, Ballyshannon.

A close family friend told donegallive.ie, that his death was very sudden at the age of just 47 years.

There was a palpable sense of sorrow and loss in the Erne Town and throughout south Donegal, since the news of his passing was announced, he said.  

“You could say that he was one of the last great characters of the town, highly intelligent with a great sense of humour and wit, and a unique turn of phrase, which endeared him to so many, many people. He will be sorely missed as a genuine and caring friend to so many,” he added.  

This family friend had known three generations of the Doyle family in his lifetime, including Derek Jnr's grandfather, the late William 'Big' Doyle, who was the former manager of the old Provincial Bank in Ballyshannon.

The late Derek Doyle Snr., deceased's father, who died less than four years ago in August of 2019 was a very well known entrepreneur and was also described as another great character of the Erne town. 

The deceased, Derek Jnr, attended De La Salle College in Ballyshannon and later worked for 12 years in Germany, as a bar manager, before returning home.

Noted as an excellent swimmer in his day, he also spent three years as a lifeguard in Bundoran's Waterworld and spent two years as a volunteer with Bundoran RNLI.

One of his more unusual jobs, was in the area of photography and special backdrops, which saw him travel extensively throughout the supermarkets and shopping malls around the country.

Another dear friend of the deceased spoke movingly on social media of how they were “shocked and genuinely upset” on hearing of the Ballyshannon man’s passing. 

“From the minute we met in primary school I knew he was a diamond, a bit of a messer, good fun and always surrounded by good, close friends. Not a bad bone in his body.

"We always remained friends. No matter when or where we met, he would stop to chat, even up until a few days ago,” she said. 

Derek Jnr was predeceased by his father Derek Doyle Snr in 2019 and he will be sadly missed by his mother Margaret, his sister Alanna and all his extended family and friends, to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

Reposing at John McGee & Sons Funeral Home, Belleek Rd, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, F94 ED21, on Tuesday evening from 7pm to 9pm. Removal on Wednesday (May 3) from his residence, College Street, at 1.30pm to arrive at St. Anne's Church, Ballyshannon, for Funeral service at 2pm, with burial afterwards in the adjoining graveyard.

All enquiries to John McGee & Sons Funeral Directors on 087 2218483.