Death of popular Portumna shopkeeper

There was great sadness in the parish of Lorrha and beyond when news filtered through on Friday evening that Donie O’Meara of Abbeyville, St Brendan’s Road, Portumna and of SuperValu, Portumna, had passed away.

Donie passed away peacefully on Friday, February 3, in University College Hospital Galway, surrounded by his adoring family. Born and raised in Borrisokane, Donie started out life training as a barman in his home town before embarking on the supermarket scene back in the mid-1970s when he first purchased a public house and from there he went on to build the SuperValu supermarket that exists there now.

He was the light that the town of Portumna needed and he traded successfully, expanding his business to the thriving trade that it is today. He worked hard and long hours along with his late wife Marie and together they have left behind a great legacy. He was also a very kind and generous man, giving sponsorship to local causes and that generosity extended to local towns and villages. He gave wonderful employment down through the years, a trait that is carried on in the business by his daughter Yvonne.

He will be sadly missed by all who came to know and respect him, but especially by his family, daughters Anne-Marie, Yvonne, Edelle, Niamh; sons John and Conor. Donie will be deeply missed by his adoring grandchildren, Noeleen, best friend to Marie and Donie; sons-in-law Thomas, David, Alex and Damien; daughters in-law Leah and Isobel; sister Sheila, brothers Sean and PJ (and predeceased by Michael); sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, extended family, kind neighbours and his large circle of friends from far and wide, to whom sympathy is offered.

After Funeral Mass in St Brigid’s Church, Portumna, on Tuesday last, February 7, burial took place beside his beloved wife Marie, in St Michael’s Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

There was great sadness in the parish of Lorrha and beyond when news filtered through on Friday evening that Donie O’Meara of Abbeyville, St Brendan’s Road, Portumna and of SuperValu, Portumna, had passed away. Donie passed away peacefully on Friday, February 3, in University College Hospital Galway, surrounded by his adoring family. Born and raised in Borrisokane, Donie started out life training as a barman in his home town before embarking on the supermarket scene back in the mid-1970s when he first purchased a public house and from there he went on to build the SuperValu supermarket that exists there now.

He was the light that the town of Portumna needed and he traded successfully, expanding his business to the thriving trade that it is today. He worked hard and long hours along with his late wife Marie and together they have left behind a great legacy. He was also a very kind and generous man, giving sponsorship to local causes and that generosity extended to local towns and villages. He gave wonderful employment down through the years, a trait that is carried on in the business by his daughter Yvonne.

He will be sadly missed by all who came to know and respect him, but especially by his family, daughters Anne-Marie, Yvonne, Edelle, Niamh; sons John and Conor. Donie will be deeply missed by his adoring grandchildren, Noeleen, best friend to Marie and Donie; sons-in-law Thomas, David, Alex and Damien; daughters in-law Leah and Isobel; sister Sheila, brothers Sean and PJ (and predeceased by Michael); sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, extended family, kind neighbours and his large circle of friends from far and wide, to whom sympathy is offered.

After Funeral Mass in St Brigid’s Church, Portumna, on Tuesday last, February 7, burial took place beside his beloved wife Marie, in St Michael’s Cemetery. May he rest in peace.