Tributes following death of popular businessman

Passing met with deep sadness throughout Cootehill and wider business community

The funeral is taking place of the late Gerry McDonagh in his hometown of Cootehill.

Mr McDonagh, of 18 Drumnaveil North, Station Road, Cootehill, passed away peacefully at his home on June 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

His passing was met with deep sadness throughout Cootehill and the wider business community where he was widely respected.

For almost more than three decades, Mr McDonagh was a prominent figure in Irish retail and wholesale footwear. Having learned his trade during nine years working alongside fellow Cootehill man Gerard Whelan, he established his own wholesale footwear service in June 1987.

A year later, in 1988, he expanded his business interests by opening a shoe shop on Bridge Street in Cootehill. The business flourished and later extended to Main Street in Cavan Town, where he became a familiar and trusted face to generations of customers.

While business was an important part of Gerry's life, he never lost sight of the value of community. He actively supported local initiatives and was a strong advocate for welcoming to all members of society, and in 2016, McDonagh Shoes was one of several retailers in Cavan recognised for its commitment to inclusivity when Gerry was presented with an Age-Friendly Charter.

When he closed the shoe business, Mr McDonagh pivoted towards sale, and with his wealth of expertise, later became involved with Gaeltech Sustainable Living, where he served as Business Development Manager, helping promote their Crannog modular living spaces.

Those who knew Mr McDonagh speak of a man spoke of his warmth, humour and generosity in tributes posted online.

The large attendance at his home during the reposing and at St Michael's Church for his Funeral Mass on Friday, June 12 reflects the esteem in which he was held.

Mr McDonagh is predeceased by his parents, Martin and Maureen McDonagh, his sister Mary Kelly, and brothers-in-law Tony McCabe and Phil Casey. He is survived by wife Martina, sons Paul and Simon, daughters Jenna and Keara, daughters-in-law Aisling, Martin and Sean, grandchildren Ben, Emily, Aoibhín and Luca, brother Stephen, sisters Anne, Una, Bernie and Martina, extended family, neighbours, colleagues, and large circle of friends.