Leitrim man who died in Donegal tragedy was a 'true Gael, loyal friend, and loving family man'

A man who died off the coast of Donegal on Saturday has been named locally as Patrick Doran who was in his 40s and originally from Leitrim village.

It is understood that Mr Doran was one of more than 100 divers who took part in a two-day event organised by the Donegal Bay Sub Aqua Club.  Around midday on Saturday the alarm was raised after two divers got into difficulty. A search and rescue operation was launched and co-ordinated by the Malin Head Coast Guard.

Another man, aged in his 60s, remains in hospital after he was seriously injured.  The event was subsequently cancelled.

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport said that the Irish Coast Guard Marine Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) in Malin responded to a diving incident in Teileann at around 12.20 p.m. on Saturday.

The co-ordinated response involved the Sligo-based Rescue 118 helicopter, Killybegs Coast Guard Boat and Shore Crews, the National Ambulance Service and An Garda Síochána.

This afternoon St. Mary’s GAA Club, Kiltoghert paid tribute to “a true Gael, loyal friend, and loving family man”.

In an online tribute the club said: “Paddy was born in Sheafield, with his brothers and sisters, Anna Marie, James, Colm, Richie, Dearbhla and Melissa, outside Leitrim Village, to Bridie and the late Jim Doran, another great St. Mary’s Kiltoghert man. He received his education in Leitrim Village NS and Carrick-on-Shannon Vocational School before studying engineering at third level.

“Paddy married his childhood sweetheart, Siobhan Moran, Drumsna, and settled in Finisklin, Effrinagh, where they were blessed with three wonderful children Emmet, Caoimhe and Eibhlín.

“Paddy’s involvement with Saint Mary’s Kiltoghert goes right back to his childhood, where he represented the club and won titles at every underage grade. He not only represented the club with distinction, but also represented Leitrim at U-16, U-18 and U-21. His love of sport extended beyond football and he played hurling, soccer, basketball, and athletics.

"Paddy continued to play for Saint Mary’s Kiltoghert into adulthood, winning medals at intermediate and senior levels. He captained the intermediate winning team of 1995. He was also selector in 2000. One of Paddy’s proudest achievements was that of player manager of the championship wining junior B team of 2006. There’s many a man around the county who still grimace at the mention of his name as they recall being on the receiving end of one of Paddy’s legendary shoulder tackles.

“Like his father before him, Paddy’s role in the club extended beyond his playing days. He accepted numerous officer roles within the club, most noticeably that of PRO. During the dark days of covid, Paddy brought a ray of sunshine into our lives as he was pivotal in the live streaming of championship matches into our living rooms while games were played behind closed doors. Who could forget the “sideways stream” from Pairc Naomh Mhuire. He revelled in the teasing he got from that one!

“Always one for the underdog, Paddy ensured that the club always entered third and fourth teams where possible and took on managerial positions to ensure their success.

"Paddy was more than a club member, the club was a part of him. There was nothing Paddy would not do to ensure we all got the club he felt we deserved. From committees, to officer roles, to donning a high-vis vest to ensure everyone’s safety on match day, Paddy was always there.

“His straight talking, no nonsense, man of action approach endeared him to all who met him. His sad passing leaves a void in our club and our lives which will never be replaced.

"We know our huge loss is shared with other clubs, especially Leitrim Gaels, with whom Paddy shared a wide circle of friends.

“Words cannot describe the heartbreak we feel for his loving wife, Siobhan, his children Emmet Caoimhe, and Eibhlín, his mother Bridie, his brothers, sisters, extended family, neighbours and many many friends, and to you all, we extend our deepest sympathies.”