Det. Gda. Liam Donnelly

THE death on Friday last at Cavan General Hospital of retired Detective Garda Liam Donnelly, following a brief illness, was received with widespread regret. A familiar figure in the town, he was aged 53 and resided at 70 Griffith Parade, Glasnevin. He joined the Gardaí in November, 1978 and was transferred to Cavan in May, 1979. He was promoted to detective in February, 1991 and moved to Monaghan until August, 1999. He retired on health grounds in September, 2006. He represented Cavan District in the GRA (Garda Representative Association) and was instrumental along with the late Cllr. Veronica Sharkey in providing a new Garda station for Cavan District. Along with fellow members of Cavan District, he helped to raise funds for the supply of food stations for the under-privileged in Sao Paulo in Brazil, which are still working to this day. While attached to the Detective Unit in both Cavan and Monaghan, he was involved in a number of high profile investigations. Liam, who had been in failing health for some months was a larger than life figure. It was good to be in his company and he enjoyed a song or two, his favourite party piece being a Brendan Behan classic 'The Ould Triangle'. He enjoyed sport both as a spectator and player and his younger days played soccer in the Leinster senior league with Dublin side CIE. He also lined out for Cavan Gardaí in the McGinnity five-aside soccer tournament, Liam was the quintessential Dub and his passing is deeply regretted by his former colleagues in the Gardaí and his friends and family. He is survived by his 88-year-old mother, Mary, and three sisters in Dublin, Jacinta, Bernadette and Angela. The funeral took place on Monday from the Church of Divine Grace, Ballygall, Glasnevin, followed by cremation to Glasnevin cemetery. Full Garda honours were rendered.