The father of three who tragically died in a scuba diving accident over the weekend was well-known in the Westport area.
Pat Doran, from Finisklin, Effrinagh, Carrick-on-Shannon, lost his life during a planned two-day event organized by the Donegal Bay Sub Aqua Club. The event, the North West Dive Rally, included several dives at Malin Beg and Sliabh Liag on Saturday. However, around midday on Saturday, an alarm was raised after two divers encountered difficulties. Despite a major search and rescue operation coordinated by the Malin Head Coastguard Station and involving multiple agencies, including the Killybegs Coast Guard, An Garda Síochána, the National Ambulance Service, shore crews, and the Rescue 118 helicopter, Mr. Doran’s body was recovered from the sea.
The news was met with shock and sadness in the Westport area, where Pat had worked for several years as a production manager at West Rock Packaging Solutions, formerly known as Chesapeake Multi-packaging Solutions, or Berry’s Printworks. Toby Gibbons, a former colleague of Pat’s at West Rock, expressed disbelief as details of Pat’s tragic passing emerged on Sunday.
“Pat worked with us for many years in Westport before leaving to set up his own company three or four years ago. He used to mostly travel up and down from his home in Leitrim but often stayed over in Westport and got to know many people in the town,” said Gibbons. Pat was known for his social nature and his deep involvement in the GAA, with a keen knowledge of the Connacht scene. A proud Leitrim man, Pat enjoyed discussing the GAA and all its facets.
Gibbons added that many of Pat’s colleagues, past and present, in Westport wanted to extend their sincere sympathy to his wife, Siobhán, and their children, Emmet, Caoimhé, and Evelyn, along with their extended family. Tributes have been pouring in for Pat, with his home club, St. Mary’s GAA, Kiltoghert, offering a heartfelt tribute to him.
“Saint Mary’s Kiltoghert, the GAA, and the wider community, got the heartbreaking news of the untimely passing of a true Gael, loyal friend, and loving family man, Patrick (Paddy) Doran on Saturday,” the tribute read. It detailed his life, from growing up in Sheafield with his siblings Ann Marie, James, Colm, Richie, Dearbhla, and Melissa, to his education in Leitrim Village NS and Carrick on Shannon Vocational School, and his later study of engineering.
Beyond playing, Pat took on numerous roles within the club, including that of PRO. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a pivotal role in live-streaming championship matches, bringing joy to many. He ensured the club always entered 3rd and 4th teams and took on managerial positions to support their success.
“Paddy was more than a club member; the club was a part of him. There was nothing Paddy would not do to ensure we all got the club he felt we deserved,” the tribute continued. It emphasized his dedication, straight-talking, and no-nonsense approach, which endeared him to everyone he met. His passing leaves a void in the club and the community that cannot be replaced.
The tribute also acknowledged the shared grief with other clubs, especially Leitrim Gaels, with whom Pat had many friends. It concluded by extending deep sympathies to his wife, Siobhán, his children, his mother Bridie, his siblings, extended family, neighbors, and numerous friends.
Pat will repose at his home in Effrinagh (N41 HY72) on the evenings of Wednesday, June 26, and Thursday, June 27, from 5 pm until 8 pm. His Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 28, at 2 pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Gowel (N41 HX83), followed by burial in Kiltoghert Cemetery. A shuttle bus will operate from Kiltoghert Community Centre (N41 HC95) each evening from 5 pm until 8 pm. Attendees are asked to adhere to steward instructions.
