Tributes paid to Thomas ‘The Miller’

Well-known not just across Buncrana, but also throughout Inishowen, he was a wealth of knowledge on local history and stories.

The West Inishowen History and Heritage group posted a touching tribute on their Facebook page.

They said: “Thomas was a great collector of photos, stories and memories. His knowledge of times past, characters and people who lived in Buncrana and its environs was unsurpassed. We have lost a valued friend and contributor.

“His work with Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh on Seoirse’s book ‘The Millers Odyssey’ has added greatly to the recorded history of Buncrana and we are proud to have called Thomas a friend of our society. We remember Thomas fondly for his many contributions and for his great collection of photos of times past locally, for his wit and friendliness and for his wisdom.”

Mr. Doherty was former Station Officer at Buncrana Fire Station. Members of Buncrana Fire Service, neighbouring stations and retired members formed a special, socially-distant guard of honour at his funeral.

On Facebook, Buncrana Fire Service posted: “We sounded our old siren during his funeral as a poignant reminder of the times that Thomas and his wife Bridie and family would have done from their home before the pager system alerted the fire crew to calls.”