A local community in Co Donegal has been left in ‘disbelief’ after a father and daughter died just one day apart.
Patrick Devenney and Margaret Sullivan (nee Devenney) are due to be buried in a joint funeral service this week.
Their deaths sent shockwaves through the Newtowncunningham community as tributes pour in from across the county and beyond.
READ MORE: Tributes paid to 'true warrior' as Irish teenager dies after brave cancer battle
Patrick was a well-known sportsman and passed away on Wednesday at the Donegal Hospice after a battle with illness.
The following day, the Devenney family were left devastated once again after learning of Margaret's sudden death on Thursday, September 22.
Margaret was a coach at the Letterkenny Athletic Club Juveniles, and in recent days a spokesperson said: "There are no words. We are utterly devastated as a club and a Community to hear of the sad passing of our Juvenile Coach Mags (Margaret ) Sullivan (Devenney). May she rest in peace.
"Our Sympathy to her husband Eugene, our juvenile members Ethan and Molly and condolences to all the Devenney and Sullivan families at this sad time.
"May Margaret and her Dad Patrick R.I.P Please Keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
Local councillor for the Newtowncunningham area, Cllr Paul Canning, said the news had left the community in "disbelief".
"It is with great sadness and disbelief that I am giving you all an update on the very sad and recent arrangements for Patrick (Satch) Devenney's wake and funeral," he said.
"This [week] we learned of the sudden death of Margaret Sullivan (nee Devenney) may she rest in peace, (Patrick and Imelda's daughter Margaret.)
"Patrick and his daughter Margaret will repose in the family home in Newtowncunningham. The wake today is strictly private. Our prayers are with the entire Devenney and Sullivan family."
Letterkenny-based GAA club, St Eunan's, also paid tribute in a post and wrote: "It would be an understatement to say that everyone at St Eunan’s GAA club today is devastated by the unexpected news of the sad passing of Margaret Sullivan (née Devenney).
"We would like to express our sincere condolences to all the Devenney and Sullivan families at this extremely sad time."
Their funeral will take place at 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 24, at the All Saints Church, Newtowncunningham, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
READ MORE:
Alarm raised over TikTok trend promoting epilepsy medication as 'diet pills'
'Greatest ever moment on Irish radio' leaves people 'crying with laughter' every time they hear it
Thousands of Irish parents have just one week left to apply for Back to School Allowance
Taking one ingredient off your grocery list could cut shopping bills by €800 per year
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
