'A great friend' - Huge sadness as descendant of Irish chieftan dies in Offaly

Tributes have been paid to the O’Donoghue of the Glens Geoffrey Paul O’Donoghue who has passed away in Tullamore.

Geoffrey Paul died peacefully on October 14 surrounded by his loving family at The Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, his RIP.ie notice confirms.

He is predeceased by his wife Frances, brother Francis and grandson John. Sadly missed by his sons and daughters Paula, Conor, Gwen, Grainne, Donagh, Geoffrey and Niamh, sister Catherine, grandchildren Marcus, Jack, Aisling, Niall, Sean, Thomas, Finn, Charlie, Frances and Gerry, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

The O'Donoghue of the Glens is the hereditary chieftain of his sept of the Kerry Eóganacht. The Eóganacht dynasties ruled the south of Ireland for 500 years or so till the end of the first millennium.

Tributes have been paid to him this week. One person said: "Very saddened to learn of Paul's passing. A great friend and sound
neighbour during my time in Killina. We send our sincere sympathy to all his children and their extended families also his sister. May Paul Rest in Eternal Peace."

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Another wrote: "My sincere condolences to each member of his family and Catherine and family as well. We were such good friends; he meant so much to all of us, he was such a kind and thoughtful person, a pure gentleman. May God bless him in every way possible.

A third person added: "To all of Paul's family, my sincere condolences. I first met Paul at the dancing in the Hazel Hotel, Monasterevin. And at other venues after that. A gentleman then and remained a gentleman through the years. May his gentle soul sleep in heavenly peace."

Funeral Details

Reposing at O'Reilly's Funeral Home Harbour Street Tullamore on Friday October 17 from 6pm until Rosary at 8pm. Removal from his home on Saturday morning to St. Colman’s Church, Mucklagh arriving for Requiem Mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in the adjoining old cemetery.