Late Brian O’Doherty, Bundoran and Dunkineely - A man for all seasons both on land and at sea 

The funeral took place of the late Brian O’Doherty, late of Brenter, Dunkineely and formerly of Sea Road, Bundoran, on January 23, 2023.   

Brian had passed to his eternal reward, the previous Thursday, in the excellent care of the Ballyshannon Community Nursing Unit. He had just celebrated his 77th birthday at the beginning of the month.  

His beloved wife Catherine (Nan) had preceded him, just last February.  

His affable disposition meant that few would not have memories of Brian, who was also known fondly by his nickname, ‘Cool’. 

In Bundoran he will always be associated with the premises that stood on Sea Road, opposite the main beach car park, the Star of the Sea B&B. 

A larger than life character and blessed with a characteristic infectious laugh, he endeared him to so many over the decades.

Brian was born to parents Joe O’Doherty and Anna O’Doherty (née Bogue) in the Royal Hotel, West End, Bundoran. This is where he sent his early years.

The West End at the time was a vibrant and strong community of people with great neighbours and friends.

Life for the young Brian was full of fun and adventure with magical places like the Boat Quay where local fisherman like the Carty’s, Duffy’s, Conroy’s, Meehan and Skip spent the days chatting and mending their nets or boats, before they would take to the silvery sea to make their living.

All the houses in the West End made a living from the tourists and it was shared out equitably and then they would sit out in the evening on the summer seats to enjoy the setting sun.    

Another backdrop to Brian’s life was to escape to the football field out the back door of his home.

The late Brian O'Doherty was an expert mariner and knew the Donegal coastline well 

There was, many a time, when the house was full of visitors and work to be done when he was off on his own exploits. 

He loved outdoor life, fishing the sea and chatting to his friends.  

He was very informed on many subjects and gave good instructions on how things should be done in a qualitative way.

When he brought his then beautiful girlfriend Nan (later his beloved wife), to Assumpta’s wedding in St. Patrick’s Hall, even the young members of the family stretched to get a sneak peak at her. Nan was a true beauty, a veritable Sofia Loren and she wowed the whole family. He was also most proud of her and her gently easy refined ways. As he had a strong family history himself, he loved that Nan’s family had done great pioneering work in the medical field, especially with TB in children. Dr Pearl Dunleavy’s, Nan’s aunt, was an expert in child epidemiology with published research papers in the field.

Brian rolled out the red carpet when they came to stay at the Star of the Sea.

Brian and Nan stuck together through the ups and downs of many a long and tough summer season. Together they ran a thriving business in the Star of the Sea which had a lovely family flavour, unequalled in the area.   

Horses were another great love of the Brian O'Doherty. Here he is with two of his children on their ponies in the car park opposite his Star of the Sea premises on Sea Road.  

They did full board B&B, ran the shop and a lively singing lunge and caravan park.

They put on great nights of music and dancing in the ‘Star’ as many will remember.

Brian gave many people the start through the bar, the boat, the caravan park and in entertainment and catering, which enabled them to get on the ladder of life.

He was generous and took a chance on people and showed them the ropes.

Brian was a hero on the night of the August bank holiday weekend in 1980 when the Central Hotel went on fire and sadly, claiming ten lives.

He helped to lead a daring rescue and his quick response in organising his jockeys and staff and getting ladders and vans and lights to help the people trapped inside to escape. His quick thinking to break into parked cars and turn them so the lights lit up the building so the people could see their way out. The tragedy would have been much worse, only for his quick action.

He was very proud of his skipper’s licence and his horse training licence. He introduced many people to the sea and taught them how to trawl and fish the sea. He ran a 28ft trawler and knew every inch of Bundoran Bay and the coastline of Donegal. He was an expert out at sea.

The late Brian O'Doherty, Dunkineely and Bundoran who will be sadly missed 

When he got his horse trainers licence he excelled in that too and had many winners. He was no stranger to the winner’s enclosure - Sandmas, Quinn’s Corner, Craig House and Ardfarna Lad were some of the horses he trained, as well as all the trips to Cheltenham.

He was exceptionally gentle with the foals. Among many of the young jockeys that got the start with Brian was Adrian Maguire, who went on to be a world class jockey.

He was a great supporter of the GAA, both club and county and attended all of the matches, financially supporting and sponsoring teams as well. 

It’s very sad that Brian got knocked off his bike and hurt his leg; he never really recovered to his full strength and he was limited in all his pursuits.

The most important thing to Brian was his family and he was very proud of his children. He was always talking about them and the things that they were doing in their lives and their double degrees.

He loved his family and all the O’Doherty’s in Donegal and was very proud of his history and heritage in Bundoran.

The late Brian O'Doherty sharing the banter after a good catch with Mickey Joe Daly 

There were so many aspects to Brian’s life, he was a big character and will be sadly missed by those who loved him.   

Brian was predeceased by his wife Catherine, better known as Nan on February 4, 2022.

Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving son Brian Tadhg, daughters Catríona (Barry), Brídín (Dermot) and Aileen (Fergal), his beloved grandchildren Pearl, Tadhg and Aoibhá, his brothers James (Bundoran), Joe (Bundoran), sisters Assumpta Daly (Bundoran) and Eilish (Bundoran), his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and all his many relatives neighbours and friends to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

Removal from the family home in Brenter, Dunkineely took place on Monday morning January 23, 2023 to the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Bundoran for Mass of the Resurrection. 

Burial followed afterwards in St. Ninnidh's Cemetery, Newtown, Bundoran.

Condolences to the O'Doherty Family can still be left in private on www.breslinfunerals.ie