Obituary: Eileen McGee never lost sight of her west Donegal roots

The death  occurred of Eileen McGee of Gleann Tain Manor, Letterkenny and formerly from Gola Island, and  Cotteen, Derrybeg and London. 

She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving caring family on Saturday, November 12. 

A daughter of the late Ned Rua and Bridget McGee, she was born on Gola Island. She went to school there and at the tender age of 14 years she came to the mainland to work in local  hotels.  

Brought up in difficult times, the money was not plentiful then, things were scarce and people had to work hard. 

When she was 16 she moved to work in Glasgow and later moved to Scarborough. She was joined by her two sisters and they found employment in a hotel. 

After some time they moved down to London and they were joined by their two brothers. Here Eileen worked in a nursing home and she was very happy in her job, helping and caring for other people.

She loved coming back to spend time in Gaoth Dobhair and during her trips never missed going into Gola Island where she had fond memories growing up. 

Moving tributes have been paid to her daughter Margaret for caring and helping her during an illness for the past three years.  She never complained and carried her illness with great patience.

Eileen’s Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, November 15 at 11am in St Mary's Church, Derrybeg. The celebrant was Fr Brendan Ward, CC, and Séiplíneach Phobal Scoil Ghaoth Dobhair and concelebrants were Fr Brian Ó Fearraigh, PP, Fr Colm Ó Gallchóir, PP, Killybegs and his brother Fr Seán (both natives of Cotteen). 

The soloist was Bridget Sweeney who also performed on guitar and the flute.  She sang a stunning rendition of the ballad ‘Céad Slán leis an Oileáin’ as the remains were leaving the church.  

Eileen’s burial  took place afterwards to Magheragallon cemetery.

Predeceased by her parents Ned Rua, and  Bridget McGee, and by her sister Kathleen, she will be sadly missed by her partner Martin, her brothers and sisters Charlie, Máire, Teresa, Freddie, Eamonn and Margaret, sisters in-law, brother in-law, nieces, nephews and all her extended family and friends.