‘Family was everything’

“Tsunami of grief” grips community, funeral hears.

Tools from his garage, a Cavan GAA jersey, a games controller, and a model car were brought to the altar in remembrance of the late Gene McDonald, his funeral mass hearing how those who knew him have been swept up in a “tsunami of grief” since his tragic passing.

Mr McDonald (35), a mechanic by trade, died in a crash at the sixth stage of the Sligo States Rally on Sunday, July 16, alongside fellow driver Daire Maguire (46) from Lisnaskea.

The hearse arrived to St Mary’s Middle Chapel, Corcreeghagh on Friday, July 21, led by a procession of rally cars that noisily revved their engines before falling silent in respect of one who’d devoted his life to the sport.

As Mr McDonald’s coffin was carried from the roadside to the chapel, a guard of honour saw several people wearing motorsport jackets while others held rally driving helmets as a further mark of respect.

Mr McDonald is survived by his partner Justine and young daughters Bonnie and Saoirse, the youngest of whom was christened only back in February this year.

His death is also deeply regretted by his grieving parents Maureen and Eugene, sisters Áine and Sinead and their families, extended family, as well as many friends.

Mr McDonald, from Barraghy, Cootehill, loved his family “with every breath of his being” Fr Martin Gilchrist said to those who packed the small rural church or stood outside. “So much sadness and emotion makes us feel that we are dealing with a tsunami of grief.”

The funeral heard that Mr McDonald was a respected driver, able to “make miracles happen to make sure that car would constantly be on the road, even if he knew it would break down soon enough.”

Fr Gilchrist said Mr McDonald’s love for rallying was renowned. It was especially “evident” since his sad passing, with so many from the tight-knit motoring community coming forward to pay fond tribute and share stories about a person they had got to know and respect.

“He was seen by all as an experienced driver and he was respected by many who partake in the sport,” he told mourners, before urging others to share their stories about Mr McDonald.

“In times like this it is important to know you do not have to deal with this alone.”

Some of Mr McDonald’s closest friends spoke towards the end of service.

“Gene was one of the best friends anyone could have asked for.”

They remembered his exploits as a footballer with Drumgoon Éire Óg, who captained the 2015/16 reserve team and was always a great supporter of his club.

They also recalled reenacting the scenes from the TV show Jackass using “fireworks and skateboards”; a “Hells Angels Scooter Gang” phase, with 50cc engines “roaring”; and “a lot of fishing, though we were up to a lot more messing than fishing”.

Mr McDonald’s role as the lead of a band in ‘Teapot’s Shed’, with “iconic long golden hair” and the nights of fun thereafter was also fondly remembered.

“We’re all going to miss you dearly Gene, from the bad manners to the cheeky laugh to the loving friend, father, brother, boyfriend, son, who would do anything for anyone.”

Rock stardom took a backseat to Mr McDonald’s career as a mechanic however, and he joined Cieran McConnon Car Sales in Carrickmacross. After that he was found “experimenting” with stock car racing before “it was clear he’d got the motorsport bug”.

“He had a love for rallying,” another of the speakers said of Mr McDonald, whose first car was a “white famous Sunbeam”.

But he had a softer side too, and nothing summed this up more than his care and dedication to his partner Justine and their daughters, or with his nephews and nieces.

“Family was everything to Gene.”

The Eulogy concluded with a thank you offered to the emergency services who tended to Mr McDonald post accident, and the staff at Sligo Hospital, his fellow competitors and spectators, Sligo Motor Club and Motorsport Ireland, neighbours, friends, and so many others who have offered support since the terrible accident.

Again, it was reminded that there are additional supports available for those struggling to come to terms with grieving the loss of Messrs McDonald and Maguire.

“These were two men who are a huge loss to their family, friends and to the wider rallying community. As Gene would often say to his customers: ‘That yokes good to go!’ We’ll leave it at that.”