The late Peter Patton 'will simply be irreplaceable'
The late Peter, of Trimragh, Letterkenny, will be laid to rest on Thursday at New Leck Cemetary following his funeral mass at the Church of the Irish Martyrs, Ballyraine
Tributes have been paid to the late Peter Patton of Trimragh, Letterkenny, who passed away suddenly on Monday morning.
As St Eunan’s GAA put it later that day: “The weather today was perhaps befitting of the mood across the town, as Letterkenny awoke to the heartbreaking news of Peter’s passing. Just as a cloud hung over the town throughout the day, a deep sense of sadness has descended upon our club.”
Peter, known as Porky, to many, had watched the St Eunan’s side defeat Erne Gaels from Fermanagh with the family on Saturday evening in Enniskillen.
Peter was a familiar face at Global Tiles and Bathrooms on Letterkenny's Neil T Blaney Road and would be commonly seen at football matches or helping their running, primarily St Eunan’s, Donegal GAA or, perhaps more frequently than the lot all down the years, Bonagee United, where he was club person of the year two years ago, fulfilling a variety of roles at Dry Arch Park.
“Funny, loyal, warm, passionate and proud,” is how St Eunan’s described Peter, while Bonagee United said he “will simply be irreplaceable.”
“Bonagee United has been left shocked and numb at the death of our beloved club member Peter ‘Porky’ Patton, whose sudden passing has rocked us to the core,” the club posted on Monday.
“A loyal and dedicated Bonagee United volunteer and supporter, Peter was our assistant treasurer and served in a variety of roles at the club, including as the regular person manning the tuck shop at Dry Arch Park on match days.
“The Patton family is a huge cog in the Bonagee United wheel and Peter, in so many ways, was a centrepiece. Just two years ago, in 2024, Peter was named Bonagee United Club Person of the Year at our senior men’s teams’ presentation function in the Clanree Hotel.”
“No matter what was going on at Bonagee United, ‘Porky’ was there for it all,” said Bonagee United Chairman Niall Callaghan.
“People like Peter Patton are unique; they give so selflessly of their time and effort. Peter was the consummate Bonagee United club member who was never found wanting when something needed doing around the club. Whether it was raising funds or supporting teams, you could always count on Peter to be present. He will simply be irreplaceable.
“Peter will be well known to so many people also through his work at Global Tiles and from his interest in politics and cards away from football.
“For many years, Peter toured Kieran McKay around the place for Bonagee United games. Now, just six months after Kieran sadly left us in May, Peter has gone to his own eternal rest.
“The club and its members are heartbroken and we extend our sincere sympathy to the extended Patton family at this time.”
Bonagee United club activities have been suspended until further notice.
Peter is survived by his loving wife Anne Marie and family Lauren (Ethan), Shaun (Rebecca), Emma (Stephen) and Stefany, his parents Jim and Rosemary, brothers Charlie (Catherine), James (Jacqui), Mark (Francess), Damian (Annmarie), Gary (Claire) and Declan, sister Marisa (Michael), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and a wide circle of family, friends and neighbours.
St Eunan’s GAA Club added on Monday night: “Everyone would like to express our deep sorrow and extend our sincerest condolences to the Patton family following the sad and untimely passing of Peter.
“The weather today was perhaps befitting of the mood across the town, as Letterkenny awoke to the heartbreaking news of Peter’s passing. Just as a cloud hung over the town throughout the day, a deep sense of sadness has descended upon our club.
“From the stands, Peter could often be found proudly cheering on his son Shaun, whether he was wearing the St Eunan’s or Donegal jersey. Wherever the game, Peter would be there, offering his support and encouragement. Most recently, in Enniskillen on Saturday night, wearing that familiar, proud smile.
“We also wish to extend our thoughts to everyone at Peter’s beloved Bonagee United FC, where he was a dedicated volunteer, loyal supporter and, recently, a proud recipient of the club’s ‘Club Person of the Year’ award.
“Funny, loyal, warm, passionate and proud, Peter’s passing will be deeply felt throughout St Eunan’s GAA Club and by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
“Like the fog that lingered over the town today, Peter’s memory will forever linger within St Eunan’s GAA Club. His presence will be sorely missed but fondly remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, and all who mourn his passing, at this incredibly difficult time. “
Peter’s remains will be reposing at his late residence (F92 A3C4) on Tuesday, November 10, and Wednesday, November 11, from 12 noon until 10pm, with Rosary both nights at 9pm.
Funeral on Thursday, November 12, at 12 noon in the Church of the Irish Martyrs, Ballyraine, Letterkenny - which can be viewed on YouTube. Interment afterwards in New Leck Cemetery, Letterkenny.
Lurgybrack National School postponed the AGM of our Parents’ Association, due to take place on Tuesday evening, as a mark of respect to the Patton family after the sudden passing of Peter today.
“Peter served as Chairperson of the PA in Lurgybrack for many years during the time his children attended our school and could always be relied on to support the school through fundraising and coordinating events for the school community,” they posted.
“May Peter rest in peace. The school community of Lurgybrack would like to offer condolences and prayers to the Patton family at this sad time.”
Glenswilly GAA posted: “We extend our sincerest condolences to the family of the late Peter (Porky) Patton on his sudden passing. Our deepest sympathies to his wife, children, parents, brothers and sister and to the extended Patton family at this most difficult time. We are especially thinking of Shaun, Rebecca, Gary, Claire, Luke, Lucy and Alfie. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”