'A legend' - Aodh Ruadh CLG pay tribute to the late Michael McLoone

Aodh Ruadh CLG has paid tribute to the late Michael McLoone (Senior), Abbeylane, Ballyshannon.

Mr McLoone passed peacefully in the gentle and exceptional care of the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff at the Ballyshannon Community Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his loving wife Imelda, his sons, Michael, David, Philip and daughter Caroline, his daughters-in-law Elaine, Aoife and Louise, son son-in-law Noel. Adored by his grandchildren Aaron, Kate, Daniel, Nicole, Emily and Conall. Brothers Peter (and Liz), Paul (and Marie) and sister Catherine, nieces, nephews and all his extended family and friends. Predeceased by his parents Philip and Kathleen McLoone, his brother Philip.

The Ballyshannon-based GAA club described Mr McLoone as “a legend not just of Aodh Ruadh, but of Donegal - he was named on the Donegal team of the Millennium at wing forward, and Ulster who he graced the field with in the Railway Cup.”

Mr McLoone captained the  1959 Bakery Cup winning team at De La Salle and helped Saint Joseph's to  county championships in 1965, 1966, and 1968.

“That 1968 win put them on the path to an unofficial All-Ireland club final which Saint Joseph's won over the course of two legs against Galway's Dunmore MacHale's,” Aodh Ruadh continued.  

“Two goals from McLoone were crucial in seeing the Saints immortalised in All-Ireland glory. He enjoyed considerable success with the county, winning two Ulster Minor League medals before going on to win Ulster under-21 titles in 1963, 1964, and 1966.

“As a stand-out rising talent he made his senior county debut in 1964 in Irvinestown against Fermanagh. In 1966 he had the honour of captaining Donegal in the Ulster final against Down in Casement Park. He had just turned 21. 

“Unfortunately, recurrent knee injury meant his career was cut short and he had to call it a day in 1970. However, he always credited his sporting background with inspiring the considerable success he later enjoyed in his professional life. He was inducted into the Aodh Ruadh Hall of Fame in 2005 and was a serving club Vice President at his passing.”

Reposing at his residence, Abbeylane, Ballyshannon, (F94 F6D7) on Monday 1 and Tuesday, December 2, from 2pm to 8pm.

Removal on Wednesday, December from his residence at 10:15am to arrive at St. Patrick's Church, Ballyshannon for Mass of the Resurrection at 11 o'clock, with the service of interment in the Abbey Assaroe Cemetery.

A one-way system will take place during the wake. Entrance by the Abbey lane with exit to the Rossnowlagh Road via the Abbey Mill wheel.

Family flowers only. Donations in lieu of so desired in memory of Michael to the Ballyshannon community hospital patients comfort fund c/o Patrick McKenna Funeral Directors, Ballyshannon or any family member.

“We are grateful to all who looked after Michael in recent years,” the McLoone family posted. 

The house shall be private to the family outside of responding times and on the morning of the funeral. The funeral Mass shall be streamed live on St. Patrick's Church page.