‘Heart and soul’ of pipe band has gone
By Maurice Garvey
TRIBUTES have been paid to Eamon McDonnell, the “heart and soul” of St Joseph’s Pipe Band, Clondalkin, who sadly passed away on July 20.
The Boot Road resident and great-grandfather formerly worked in CIE Broadstone and was a founder member of St Joseph’s Pipe Band.
Eamon McDonnell, sadly missed
St Joseph’s posted a public statement expressing they were “deeply saddened” to learn of the passing of their former Pipe Major Eamon McDonnell.
“Eamon was not only our Pipe Major but very much the heart and soul of the band for over 40 years and will be sadly missed by all that knew him and indeed played under his leadership.
“We were delighted that Eamon could attend our recent 80th anniversary celebrations along with his wife Kitty and family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this very sad time. We will post arrangements as soon as they become available.”
A wave of messages went up on the Facebook post, people mostly acknowledging Eamon as a “true gent” and “great character”.
Carole Collins said when it came to competitions, Eamon was a “true leader for the love of pipes and drums with a class ear for tuning.”
Told lovely funny stories
Patrick Fitzpatrick said a number of members told “lovely funny stories” about Eamon at band practice on Sunday.
“He was certainly a legend in their eyes,” said Patrick.
A message on RIP.ie said Eamon was the beloved husband of Kitty and loving dad of David, Linda, Gina, Helen, John, Edel and the late baby Carol Ann.
“Sadly missed by his loving wife, children, sons and daughter-in-law, his 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, sisters Ann and Breda, extended family, neighbours and large circle of friends.”
A funeral Mass takes place on Thursday morning (July 26) in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Clondalkin Village at 11.30am.
