Huge gathering gives fitting farewell for Donegal athletics stalwart Eamon Harvey

The mournful chapel bell filled the crisp, March morning as the remains of Eamon Harvey were brought into St Mary’s Church, Killymard, with current and past members of Tir Chonaill AC lining the final stretch.

Tangible in the sombre air of loss was the quiet respect by which Eamon lived, and in which he was held by all who knew him.

Best known as an athletics coach, Eamon worked for many years in the Abbey Vocational School as a PE teacher, and also served as secretary for the Four Masters GAA Club. From the school gym to the Olympic arena, he brought out the best in everyone he encountered.

The funeral Mass took place in St Mary’s Church, Killymard, celebrated by Eamon’s former AVS colleague, Fr Adrian Gavigan. It was concelebrated by Fr James Sweeney, Fr James Gillespie, Fr Pearse Mullen and Fr Charlie Byrne.

The service began with symbols of Eamon’s life being brought to the altar by four of his grandchildren. Lauren brought forward a photo of Eamon’s family.

“Eamon’s pride and joy, was of course, his family,” said Fr Gavigan. 

Emma brought up a stopwatch and a whistle

The celebrant said: “These are symbols of Eamon's life as a PE teacher and coach, who guided and supported and inspired so many young people over the years.”

This was followed by a Tir Chonaill top carried to the altar by Alannah, representing Eamon’s role as a founder member, and a 10K T-shirt, brought forward by Darragh.

“This reflects his deep love of community and his gift for bringing people together,” said Fr Gavigan.

Before Mass got underway, Brid Golden, President of Athletics Ireland and friend of Eamon, delivered a eulogy on behalf of the Harvey family. 

Ms Golden told those gathered that Eamon was the eldest child born to Paddy and Rosabell Harvey. Along with his siblings, Jimmy, Kathleen, Patricia and Colm, Eamon was reared in the townland of Drumboarty. He attended Drumnaherk National School, and went to secondary school in Donegal Town. By the late 1960s, the family moved to their new house in Clar. 

“Eamon never forgot his time in Drumboarty,” said Ms Golden. “He told stories about the place, about his upbringing and about many close neighbours, many of whom the family were so happy to meet in the last few days.”

Eamon continued his studies, graduating from the University of Manchester with a degree in PE, Geography and Religion. He returned to Ireland in 1971 and took up a teaching post in what would later become the Abbey Vocational School. 

“Starting out with a little more than skipping rope, Eamon along with Deirdre McGrath had the vision and determination to transform PE and sport within the school community into a modern and inclusive subject for everyone, with outstanding sporting facilities.

“From the many stories the family heard in the last few days, they know that Eamon, or Big E as he was known, was well respected for guiding, supporting and inspiring so many young people during his time as a teacher, but doing so without fanfare.

“Eamon loved young people. He had a gift of really seeing the people and spotting those who were struggling or who needed a gentle word of support.”

“To Deirdre, the family are so very thankful to you; together you were a formidable pair. He loved working alongside you, and the Harvey family came to see you as part of their family too.

“Your endless patience for his notoriously bad time keeping, tardiness and ability to lose his gym keys didn't go unnoticed!”

Ms Golden said that Eamon loved being involved in sport, but more importantly, he knew the value of sport to people and the wider community. He was involved in clubs including Donegal Rowing Club, Four Masters GAA club, St John Bosco Club, and South Donegal Harriers. 

He enjoyed a lot of sports, but athletics was his real passion, Ms Golden told the congregation.

“It was with Eamon's vision that he, as one of the founding members, set up the Tir Chonaill Athletic Club.

“He gave so much of his time to the club as a mentor, coach and supporter. He openly encouraged others to get involved, and helped the club and its people to grow to what it is today. Indeed, many of the fantastic club coaches started out as young athletes under Eamon's stewardship, and others became coaches following his training.”

Eamon was involved in Athletics Ireland, serving on a number of committees.

“He spent a lifetime raising the profile of sport, particularly that of athletes from Donnegal, making sure that their sporting efforts and achievements were deservedly highlighted,” said Ms Golden.

“Just this year, the true Donegal community spirit was on full show with the inaugural Eamon Harvey 10K. To each and every one of the organisers and to the organising committee who helped to make this event such a success, the Harvey family are eternally grateful.

“Eamon was so proud and energised about the entire event. He got to catch up with so many of his friends, athletes and past students, but also got to see the wider community involvement and attendance. The event reflected everything he stood for, participation, excellence and community service.

“To top it all, he was delighted to present the winning trophy to a young Michael Murphy, the son of one of Eamon's earliest athletes and past pupils, also called Michael Murphy.”

At home, Eamon was Dad and Papa.

Ms Golden said that Eamon was very proud of his children, encouraging them to pursue their own paths and instilling his hard work ethic and the value of education.

“In more recent years, Eamon welcomed eight grandchildren whom he adored,” continued Ms Golden. “Watching their personalities and interests grow, he relished being in their company to hear their stories and successes.

“They too were fascinated by him and his adventures. Only in the last three weeks they quizzed him at length about his early school days, and took great joy out of hearing about his first day at school, where, with his blonde hair and glasses, his teacher, Miss McGroarty, took her first look out of the school gate and commented on what a lovely little boy he was. The five-year-old Eamon didn't like the attention, so he hit her and her glasses off!

“And needless to say, Eamon was taken home and kept out of school for two months.”

In January, Eamon was honoured with the Donegal Sports Star Hall of Fame award. Too ill to attend, he watched with daughter Camilla and granddaughter Katelyn, while family members went to the ceremony on his behalf. 

Eamon gave many years of dedicated service to Irish athletics, as an official and also supporting the athletes to ensure they were as fully prepared as possible. He served as a national coach for Irish teams at the Olympics, Paralympics, the World Championships and the World Cross-Country Championships.

“These opportunities allowed him to see the world, but more importantly, he made lifelong friends and got to work with so many Irish athletes, guiding them to multiple medals on the world stage,” said Ms Golden.

“It was a particular source of pride for him to see fellow Donegal athletes Bridie Lynch and Kelly McGrory, shine at the Paralympic and Olympic stages and win medals.”

He was particularly honoured to be appointed Irish coach for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

Eamon attended one of his last athletic events in Derry, the All-Irish Cross-Country Challenges, in November. 

“It transpired to be particularly special as his grandson finished third and Eamon proudly got to present him with his medal, a full circle moment, and fitting to his lifetime devoted to nurturing the next generation.”

Ms Golden spoke of Eamon's wife Jackie and mother of their five children, whose support allowed him to dedicate so much time to athletics. 

There were lots of smiles in the church as Ms Golden recalled that Eamon frequently forgot his passport or ran out of petrol on his travels, and how Jackie always managed to come to the rescue.

“Jackie, Eamon was so proud of you and all your achievements, and grateful for your unwavering patience, support and care right up to the end,” said Ms Golden.

Throughout Eamon’s illness, he never let it hold him back, evening travelling to the World Athletics in Columbia in 2022. 

Speaking on behalf of Athletics Ireland, Ms Golden said: “To us, Eamon was not only a colleague, but a dear friend and a guiding force whose integrity, generosity and deep love of sport shaped Irish athletics for decades. His work, whether nurturing young athletes at Donegal, leading national teams on the world stage, on our board, or strengthening the foundations of our coaching development structures, was always driven by a profound belief in people and their potential.

“Eamon’s legacy lives on in every athlete he encouraged, every coach he mentored and every community he helped to uplift. 

“We wish to thank the Harvey family for sharing Eamo with us. Eamon has shaped what we do; we will treasure his memory with immense fondness and gratitude.”

On behalf of Eamon’s family, Ms Golden said: “The Harvey family hope that Eamon's gentle wisdom, reassurance, generosity of spirit and lifelong commitment to nurturing others continues to guide and inspire us all. 

“His legacy should stand as motivation to all of us who try to make our community better through involvement in sport and life. 

“Eamon would want us all to continue his lasting legacy in Donegal and beyond for generations to come.”

Fr Adrian Gavigan recalled how, when he started as chaplain in the AVS, Eamon found out that he was involved in sport and asked if he would take a team. He would sometimes be called upon to take one of Eamon’s PE classes.

He echoed Ms Golden’s sentiment that Eamon was a great supporter and encourager of young athletes, knew the importance of sport, and worked tirelessly to ensure that facilities were available in the community for everyone. 

Following Mass, Eamon’s remains were brought to Clar cemetery for interment, travelling via the AVS and stopping at the gym and athletics track. Staff and students of the AVS lined the road, along with juvenile members of Tir Chonaill AC, a fitting farewell to a man who dedicated so much to the betterment of young people’s lives through sport.