Sadness at death of Ballyshannon publican and GAA stalwart Owen Roe O'Neill

There is much sadness in Ballyshannon at the death of Ballyshannon publican, hurler, footballer and Aodh Ruadh stalwart, Owen Roe O'Neill.

Owen Roe passed away peacefully on Saturday, surrounded by his loving wife and family, under the exceptional care of the nurses, doctors, and staff of the Medical Seven Ward at Sligo University Hospital. He had previously been cared for by staff at the Garden View Ward, Ballyshannon Community Hospital and Bayview Family Practice, and by his carers and members of National Ambulance Service.

In his working live, he ran Owen Roe's Bar in Ballyshannon, taking over the reins from his late father Frank, as well as running MNC wholesale business in Portnason, Ballyshannon. 

He was very known on various sporting fields, having played on the first Donegal team to win a minor Ulster title back in 1956, when he was just 16 years of age.

Owen Roe played hurling and football for Aodh Ruadh, and was part of the driving force behind the successful St Joseph's team which was an amalgamation of Ballyshannon and Bundoran. 

He remained extremely dedicated to Aodh Ruadh, and was honoured to become its president in 2014.

Owen Roe is predeceased by his parents, Frank and Agnes O’Neill, sisters Cait and Ann, and brother, Joe.

He is mourned by his wife Maura, sons, Shane, Eoghan Ruadh, and Barry, his daughter, Louise, his beloved grandchildren Orlaith, Sean, Callum, Holly, Emma, Oisín, Saoirse, Owen, Joshua, and Charlotte, his daughters-in-law, Mary, Cathy, and Lorraine, and his son-in-law, Anthony, nieces Marie, Siobhan (David) and Grainne (Tommy), and by his brothers-in-law, Tony (Ann) and Gerard (Josephine, RIP) and their families, and a wide circle of extended family, friends and clubmates. 

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.