Death of retired sergeant in Lorrha

There was widespread shock and sadness in the parish of Lorrha and beyond when word began to filter through on Friday, February 27, that Oliver Duggan, Portland had passed away.

Oliver died at his home surrounded by his loving family after an illness bravely borne with great courage and dignity. His death however, at the age of 67 was unexpected in the end and comes as a huge loss to his family as well as to the parish that he loved and served so well.

Born and raised in Portland, he attended school in nearby Portumna. After his Leaving Cert, he went to work on the building sites with his brother PJ. However, he later decided to apply for the gardaí and passed out in Templemore on the December 31, 1980. In 1998 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Over his 30 years’ service in the force, he served in Donnybrook, Portlaoise Prison, Birr, Templemore garda college, Ferbane and Banagher. He was highly thought of and much respected by both his colleagues and the general public, and made many long and lasting friendships along the way.

Oliver was a much loved parish man for the many qualities he possessed. His gentle ways, his smile, his willingness to help anywhere he could, his calm approach to matters and his sound advice to anyone who sought it. All down through the years, he was involved in many organisations and served on many committees. He was the first chairman of the Lorrha NS Parents Association as well as serving as chairman of the Board of Management. A great friend to the school, he went on to coach hurling for the best part of a decade, leaving an indelible mark.

Oliver quietly and without fuss carried out voluntary work in the parish and at the time of his passing was a member of the cemetery committee and was the present chairman of the pastoral council.

In 2002, Oliver managed the U12 team to north and county titles and was involved with the U14 and U16 teams that took county minor glory is 2006. He was proud of his three sons' success too in the Lorrha jersey.

A guard of honour was provided by all the committees that he was involved with over the years including Lorrha GAA club, both serving and retired colleagues from An Garda Síochána (Birr District), children from Lorrha school accompanied by members of staff and members of the pastoral council and cemetery committee, as his remains were carried shoulder high into the church with his coffin draped with the Lorrha flag. Before the ceremony commenced, two gardaí from the ceremonial unit placed his hat and gloves along with a folded Irish flag on his coffin and after the ceremony, Chief Superintendent Anthony Lonergan gave the final salute handing over the hat, gloves and flag to Oliver’s wife Martina.

Oliver was predeceased by his parents Tom and Katie and his sister Mary (Spillane). He will be deeply missed by his loving wife Martina, his heartbroken sons, Colm, Aidan and Ciarán, daughters-in-law Lorraine, Edel and Rachel, his adored grandchildren Oisin, Jamie, Chloe, Jack, Katie, Emma and Ellie, his brothers PJ, Thomas, John and Hubert, sisters Brigid, Kathleen and Carmel, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, uncle Kevin (USA), nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives, neighbour’s and a wide circle of friends to whom sympathy is extended. After Funeral Mass in St Ruadhán’s Church, Lorrha on Monday, March 2, burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. May his soul rest in peace.