Obituary: The late Eddie McFadden from Ballyshannon was a true gentleman

The funeral took place recently of Eddie McFadden, late of The Mall, Ballyshannon and formerly of Kerrykeel.

At his funeral Mass in St Patrick Church Ballyshannon, symbols of his life were presented to the altar table by his grandchildren.

These included a photo of his grandchildren which brought him such joy during his life; a family photo in happier times when the family were all together, his Garda hat representing how he was a proud member of An Garda Siochana, a photo of his beloved wife Anne who he would no be reunited with, the statue of a fisherman representing his favourite pastime.

In his homily, with concelebrants Fr James Gillespie, P.P. Donegal Town, Fr James Friel P.E. Rathmullan and Fr Dermot Burke, chief celebrant Fr Eamon O'Driscoll OFM described the nature that went in tandem with the deceased's job and being affectionately known as ‘Steady Eddie’.

He said: “And as you know all sorts of things can happen when carrying out your duty as a guard. He was in Swanlinbar and at the border which was difficult I am sure.

“But he had a good influence and he never lost his good humour and calmness and that is a great great gift.”

He spoke of his enthusiasm and engagement for the things that he enjoyed in life including “his passion for the fishing”, with Fr O'Driscoll recalling how fishermen were often found to have a “great patience and a gentle reserve that things will work out and 'I will catch the one that got away' eventually”.

It was also important to reflect on the fact that the deceased “had also faced pain, sorrow and loss, his two dear sons, Patrick and Shaun and his beloved wife Anne, a great loss”.

That would have “coloured his perspective of life” but he was also given “the grace and strength to be able to cope”.

A regular routine helped to cope with the purchase of the morning paper, followed by a visit to the graveyard, the following of Manchester United, Celtic and Donegal in the bad days as well as the good and he was an active participant in life, allied with a deep faith couple with a good will to others and their activities.

“He liked to chat with people and was a good influence and will be sadly missed here and in and around the town, and many a tear will be shed for you Eddie,” it was also recalled.

Many others paid tribute to Eddie online.

One read: “My deepest sympathies to Eddie's family and friends. I trained with Eddie in 1974 and he was a true gentleman. May he rest in peace”

Another read: “He was always a gentleman and respectful of others”, while another said: “what a lovely, funny, kind, gentleman he was”.

Another summed up the tributes from his garda colleagues:

“Had the pleasure of working with Eddie, a wonderful work colleague and an absolute gentleman always. May Eddie now rest in eternal peace”.

A final poignant and moving tribute recalled: “One of life’s gentlemen, Eddie’s never forgotten advice and compassionate words saved my life thirty years ago during difficult times”.

Deceased was predeceased by his wife Ann, his sons Patrick and Shaun and will be sadly missed by his children Elaine (John), Breege, Joanne (Gavin), Enda (Aveen) and Adrian, his grandchildren Emma, Abigail, Jamie and Jack, brothers Patrick and John, sisters Marian and Eileen, brothers in-law, sisters in-law, nephews, nieces and all extended family and friends to whom deepest sympathy is extended..

He is also predeceased his father Pat and mother Ellen and brother Hugh.

After removal on Thursday morning, May 30 2024, going to St. Patrick's Church, Ballyshannon for Funeral Mass this was followed by burial in the Abbey Cemetery.

Deceased’s funeral cortege travelled to his final resting place at the Abbey Cemetery via the Mall, Ballyshannon, where he had both worked and lived.

May he rest in peace.