Dungloe GAA and the Rosses mourn the passing of Fred Sweeney

Dungloe and the Rosses are mourning the death of one of the area's oldest and most respected members of their community following the death of Fred Sweeney.

Fred, of St Peter’s Terrace, passed away in Dungloe Community Hospital on Thursday afternoon following a short illness, surrounded by his loving family.

He was due to turn 86 in April and is predeceased by his wife Nora. From a well-respected family in the town, Fred S was a popular figure throughout the Rosses and beyond from his work in the Templecrone Co-op - better known as the Cope - his long and distinguished association with Dungloe GAA, his love of golf and his involvement in politics.

He was a card-carrying member of the Fianna Fáil party and a staunch supporter and ally of former TD and MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher.

Fred was a stylish footballer in his Gaelic football playing days and was a back-to-back Donegal SFC winner with Dungloe from 1957 and 1958, and Ulster Minor Football championship-winning panel member with Donegal.

He played senior games with Donegal before a serious leg injury cut short his playing career at an early age.

Following his playing days he coached and managed Dungloe at several levels and was one of the leading club referees in Donegal and officiated at county finals.

Fred also served on the administration side of the local club including a term as vice-chairman of the club minor board. He was inducted into the Dungloe GAA Hall of Fame.

More recently, he was one of the club’s vice-president and leading fundraisers. A keen golfer at his peak he was a low handicap golfer playing out of Portnoo Golf Club.

One of his proudest days was when Dungloe, with three of his grandsons - Oisin Bonner, Dylan Sweeney and Daire Gallagher - and managed by his son-in-law Dessie Gallagher won the 2022 Donegal Intermediate championship. John, Fred’s son, helped Dungloe to their previous victory in the competition in 1986.

He will be sadly missed by his son John, daughters Marie Bonner Paula McCafferty, and Marcella Gallagher, daughter-in-law Donna, son-in-law Owen, Martin and Dessie, grandchildren, family and friends.

Fred is being waked at his home at St Peter’s Terrace. His funeral mass takes on Sunday at 11am in St Crona's Church Dungloe with interment afterwards in the local cemetery. Ar dheis Dé ar a anam.