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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Shaun Keenan

Tributes as dad and daughter who died one day apart to share joint funeral on Saturday

A father and daughter who died just one day apart are to be buried in a joint funeral service this week following their tragic deaths.

The death of Patrick Devenney and Margaret Sullivan (nee Devenney), from Newtowncunningham Co Donegal, has sent shockwaves across their local community.

News of their untimely passing has seen tributes pour in from across the county and beyond, including Derry.

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Patrick, a well-known sportsman, passed away on Wednesday at the Donegal Hospice after a battle with illness.

However, the Devenney family received more tragic news the next day after learning of Margaret's death suddenly on Thursday, September 22.

Letterkenny Athletic Club Juveniles, where Margaret was a coach, 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, they said: "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 with all the Devenney and Sullivan families at this extremely sad time."

Their funeral will now take place at noon on Saturday, September 24, at the All Saints Church, Newtowncunningham, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

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