The late Paddy Coll from Cresslough was 'devoted to helping his community'

The death occurred in the Lake House Nursing Home, Port-na-blagh, earlier this month of Paddy Coll, Massinass, Creeslough.

Paddy passed away on February 10, which was the original date of the Creeslough Fair and was well-known in GAA circles and contributed greatly to sport.

Mass was celebrated in St. Michael’s Church on the Friday morning. The chief celebrant was Father John Joe Duffy, CC St Michael’s, assisted by Father Martin Doohan PP Holy Cross Church, Dunfanaghy, and Father Seamus Murphy St Michael’s Church.

St Michael’s Club provided a guard of honour. In his homily, Fr Duffy said Paddy believed that "if you did the small things well, the bigger things would follow."

He was born across the road from where he lived on September 5, 1932, to Doctor Charles Coll and Una. He was predeceased by his parents, siblings, and wife Kathleen. Paddy was a proud Creeslough man who never stopped talking about Creeslough.

Paddy worked in England on building sites and studied at night school to become an accountant. He later worked in Dublin as an accountant for Dunne’s Stores. On retirement, he returned to Creeslough and contributed greatly to the local club and the early development of the LGFA at club and county level.

He was active in fundraising and took a computer course to assist with his work. He was a member of the Donegal Association.

Paddy travelled widely, including Australia, New Zealand, and Medugorje. He was a talented singer, and his favourite song was Danny Boy. He was generous with his time and devoted to helping his community. Prayers of the faithful were offered by Olivia, Zoe, Mary, Kim, and Terry, with hymns and music by Brigid Sweeney.

Final prayers and blessings were led by Fr Doohan, and Paddy was laid to rest in Doe Cemetery.

Sympathy is extended to his wife Mary, sons Charles, John, and Stuart, daughters Terry and Anne, grandchildren Patrick, Margaret, Mary, Aine, Evelyn, Olivia, Zoe, and Jake, daughter-in-law Roberta, son-in-law John, stepdaughters Samantha and Kim, nieces and nephews, cousins Ann and Brid, and his wider circle of family, friends, and neighbours.