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Special Dunree memorial to Danny
McLaughlin
24.06.15
by Lindsay Hodges and Christine Cassidy (Wild
Inishowen)
A VERY special event was held yesterday at Fort
Dunree to remember and celebrate the life of Wild
Inishowen’s founding member and great friend, Danny
McLaughlin.
If ever a man deserved a fitting tribute with full
honours from his family, friends, peers and VIPs, it
was most certainly Danny. And today’s celebrations
did him full justice.
On the most perfect day that Danny himself might
have conjured and amid the orchid-flecked heather,
the great and the good gathered side by side on the
hilltop above Fort Dunree to witness the official
opening of the Danny McLaughlin Viewing Area. |
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Opening of the Danny McLaughlin
viewing area at Fort Dunree. |
Visitors will now be
treated to the most beautiful seat to grace the best
view in the whole of Inishowen, overlooking the
Atlantic and Lough Swilly.
The new seat has the most touching memorial plaque,
which bears these words in Danny’s memory - “Rest
and Appreciate The Wonder of Nature" - a sentiment
which the man himself fully demonstrated throughout
his remarkable life and in everything he saw and
loved in Inishowen. There is also a magnificent
marker stone from Fort Dunree with a fine tribute to
Danny that also brought tears to the eyes.
The new Viewing Area was first blessed and dedicated
by Fr Francis Bradley in the company of Danny’s
family. Then John McCarter, chairman of Fort Dunree,
gave a wonderful and heartfelt appreciation of Danny
and all he contributed both to Fort Dunree and
Inishowen as a whole. |
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Opening of the Danny McLaughlin
viewing area at Fort Dunree. |
This was followed with
a moving tribute by Dermot McLaughlin and then the
formal cutting of the ribbon by Dympna McLaughlin
and the Lieutenant General, Conor O’Boyle, chief of
staff of the Defence Forces.
And finally, the hills and heavens echoed to the
strains of a lone piper playing Danny Boy and there
was not a dry eye amongst the respectful and hushed
crowd.
Only the call of a chough passing by broke the
silence afterwards, a sound Danny would have
thoroughly celebrated himself.
It was a moving, magical and very special occasion
and a true honour to be invited.
Huge thanks to David Magee, manager of Fort Dunree,
to all the staff there and also to Danny’s wonderful
family.
It was a morning to remember always, in memory of –
as the tribute on the memorial stone reads – our
Forever Friend.
For more photos of the memorial
click here . |
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