Obituary: Remembering the late Donal Kelleher, a master of his craft
The late Donal Kelleher
The death has occurred of Donal Kelleher, Kilcannon, Dunhill, Annestown, Co. Waterford, and formerly of Cappagh, Co. Waterford, who passed away on Saturday, June 27, aged 75.
His funeral took place from his residence in Kilcannon, Dunhill, Annestown, to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Dunhill where Requiem mass was celebrated by Fr Richard O’Halloran on Tuesday, June 30, with readings by Averil Ryan and Kieran Kelleher and Prayers of the Faithful offered by Karen, Lesley-Ann, Kyle and Lorraine Wall.
The ceremony was beautifully accompanied by soloist Margaret Moore and Dungarvan My Home Town beautifully sung by Richie Power with a heartfelt eulogy delivered by David, Fintan Dermody and Nicola.
Donal was laid to rest in Church of the Sacred Heart, Dunhill Cemetery.
Born on July 19, 1950, Donal’s joinery career began in a place called Kilcannon in Cappagh, Co. Waterford, and continued when he settled in Kilcannon, Dunhill, as a successful joiner.
Starting off in his early years on many projects, like windows and doors, he finally found his niche in making staircases, working with many construction builders in Waterford city and county over the years, making and fitting stairs in the southeast and beyond. Following this Donal went private, with people describing him as master of his craft.
Donal was a perfectionist and someone who was very proud of his work. He loved helping others and meeting people through his work.
Recently, Donal turned his work to his love of his garden and nature, and always loved being outside. His shopping list consisted of bird food, dog food, cat food and his newspaper. Donal's love for nature also reflected the gentle character he was, with someone describing him as, “A gentle unassuming man”.
He loved simple things in life, driving with his wife Kathleen around the Copper Coast and walks on the beach, a pint in The Engine House, Bonmahon, and Harney’s Dunhill, meeting and chatting with the locals. His smile, humour and kind soul would light up a room, like the lights of a show.
Donal loved travelling up and down the country to watch the Showbands. Again, meeting people - you could turn for a second and he would be chatting to someone else, even up talking with the band members.
Not only was he a fan of the showbands but he was a loyal supporter of the Blues. A season ticket holder, you would see him every second Friday in the RSC cheering on Waterford FC. He also loved travelling around supporting Dunhill GAA Club.
Most of all he loved his family. He would do anything for them all, even through his own battles. He made any situation into a laughable one. Donal was full of wit, a gentle, kind man.
He is deeply mourned and will be sadly missed by his loving family, including his sons Kieran, David and daughter Nicola, daughter-in-law Lesley Ann and David's partner Karen and his adored grandchildren Kyle, Lauryn, Sommer, Krystal and Daniel, his sisters Gretta and Pam, as well as his extended family, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, neighbours and wide circle of friends.
May he rest in eternal peace.
