Donegal’s Eamon Harvey: solid, loyal, with a gift for bringing out the best in people

The death of renowned athletics coach and former PE teacher Eamon Harvey has been met with immense sadness in Donegal Town and beyond. 

Tributes have been flooding in since news of Eamon’s passing on Saturday morning. Late of Drimark, Donegal Town, Eamon passed away peacefully surrounded by his beloved family.

He is being to rest in Clar cemetery on Tuesday following 11am Mass in St Mary's Church, Killymard.

Among those paying tribute was former councillor, Tom Conaghan who shared Eamon’s passion for bringing athletics to the young people of Donegal.

In what he described as a personal tribute to a dear friend, Tom said: “As far back as the early ‘80s I had the good fortune of working alongside Eamon in the St John Bosco centre introducing the youth of Donegal Town and surrounding areas to athletics. Many a night we spent together coaching young enthusiastic athletes on the track. Even then, Eamon was ahead of his time, passionate about health and fitness.

“In 1982 Eamon supported me in being part of the background team in winning the championship with Four Masters. As a PE teacher in the Abbey Vocational School he knew many of the players, he understood their strengths better than anyone.

“That same year we took on the Donegal U21 county team together with Donal Monaghan, John Cassidy and Michael Lafferty and were proud to be part of winning Donegal’s first All-Ireland title.

“In 1984, Eamon encouraged me to take on the Four Masters again and with his help and support we won the senior championship. 

“He may be widely known for his immense contribution to athletics but not everyone may realise the depth of his love and contribution to GAA. 

“Most recently he was inducted into The Hall of Fame at the Donegal Sports Awards ,an accolade which was so truly deserved .

“Eamon was solid, loyal and had a rare gift of bringing out the best in people. He was a family man at heart, devoted to them just as he was to sport.

“I will cherish our friendship and memories. Rest in peace my dear friend.”

Tom expressed his condolences to Eamon’s beloved family, as did Four Masters GAA club in a tribute on Facebook. 

A spokesperson for Four Masters GAA Club said: “A man who has left a lasting legacy in his home town, Eamon has made an outstanding contribution to athletics in County Donegal and across Ireland through his involvement in coaching children and adults of all ages with a great sense of diligence and professionalism. 

“In the world of GAA, Eamon served our club as secretary whilst also coaching the county gaelic team in the 1980s. 

“As PE teacher in the Abbey Vocational school Eamon coached and managed numerous teams with great success and he will be remembered fondly by all his fellow staff and past pupils. 

“Eamon's son Pauric has carried on the coaching tradition and has been an outstanding servant to our club as a very successful coach and as club chairman in the recent past.”

His loss is felt greatly in TIr Chonaill AC, the club he founded and where he served as head coach, nurturing and inspiring generations of athletes. 

A spokesperson said: “Since founding the club in the early 1970s, Eamon devoted his life to Tir Chonaill AC and to the development of athletics in Donegal and throughout Ireland. His commitment, generosity, and unwavering positivity shaped our club into what it is today.

“Eamon had a rare gift for bringing out the very best in every athlete he coached. He believed in encouragement, in community, and in the power of sport to change lives, and he lived those values every single day.

“His legacy continues through his loving wife Jacqueline, his children Camilla, Deirdre, Michelle, Pauric and Louise, and his cherished grandchildren, all of whom remain active members of our club community. The impact he has had on generations of athletes and families will never be forgotten.”

Eamon is predeceased by his parents Paddy and Roseabell, his brother Jimmy and sisters Kathleen Pryal and Patricia Brennan. He is survived by his loving wife Jacqueline, his children Camilla (Shane Quinn), Deirdre (Charles Martin), Michelle (Andrew Gallagher), Pauric (Patrice Rooney) and Louise, his adored grandchildren, Lauren, Oisín, Charlie, Darragh, Emma, Alannah, Katelyn and Páidí Joe, his brother Colm (Sheila), sister-in-law Kitty Harvey, brother-in-law Martin Pryal, nieces, nephews, and all his extended family and friends.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Oncology Unit, Letterkenny, if so desired.