Jack Donovan: An Appreciation

Jack Donovan was born in 1946. A shortage of oxygen at birth resulted in developmental difficulties – not obviously severe enough to warrant therapy (if available at the time?), but which would affect Jack’s ability to deal with many important aspects of life.
By Jim Toland
Published 12th Feb 2021, 09:28 BST
The late Jack Donovan R.I.P.The late Jack Donovan R.I.P.
The late Jack Donovan R.I.P.

I was a contemporary of his at Carndonagh Boys’ Secondary School in the early Sixties.

He went through the education system displaying obvious talents, a memory for facts, an interest in languages and a love of sport. But a lack of appreciation of special needs in those days meant that Jack missed out on many important lifeskills.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Like many of his age he spent time working in England, dealing as best he could with an alien culture.

The late Jack Donovan R.I.P.The late Jack Donovan R.I.P.
The late Jack Donovan R.I.P.

He returned home to Malin Head and with the love and help of his family settled into a more friendly environment.

He was looked after by his parents and after their deaths by his Aunt Kath. When Kath died in 1998, he was cared for by his only sister Anne, his carers, and kind neighbours.

Despite his difficulties, Jack enjoyed his life.

He enjoyed his independence, listened to music and sport on the radio and television, and though not what you would call a socialiser, he loved to talk with those he met, particularly on the topics of GAA, Finn Harps and Arsenal.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He was a regular figure at GAA fixtures in Malin Town and Sea Rovers games at Gortnamullan and was in Croke Park for Donegal’s All Ireland success in 1992.

He was a regular member on his cousin Des’s quiz team in Farren’s Bar.

He loved the Irish language and listened regularly to Radio Na Gaeltachta.

Family always worry about people like Jack. How will he manage in life? Will he be happy? Those who met Jack remarked on his positive attitude to life, his remarkable knowledge of sport and his helpful attitude. He seemed to draw out the best in people, even though he knew how to hold his own when circumstances demanded. (I remember him saying to me with disdain, “Toland, you know nothing about football!”).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His family wish to thank all those who contributed to his happiness and welfare; his neighbours and friends, staff of the local businesses, particularly Farren’s Bar, The Post Office, the staff at the Medical Centre and the Day Centre at Carn Hospital, Carn Dental Practice, Higgins Opticians and all those he came into contact with.

We want in particular to thank his carers down the years, Frances, Kathy, Regina, Linda and Mary and the personnel in Community Care.

As his remains left The Star of The Sea Church in Malin Head for the journey to Lagg Graveyard, a soloist sang My Lovely Irish Rose, a song made famous and recorded by Jack’s uncle, John Donovan, also buried in Lagg.

Jack’s grandfather came from Waterford to work and live on Inishtrahull in the 1890s. Jack is the last of the name in Malin Head.

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.

Jim Toland