The death occurred at the South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen, on January 12, 2016, after a brief illness, bravely borne, of Patrick (Patsy McDonald), Clonmaulin, Newtownbutler, who was in his 76th year.
A popular radio presenter, he had been a talented musician, who formed his own Ceilidh band, The McDonald Bros at an early age.
Patsy was the first arrival to his parents Sarah and Frank in 1939 and as his siblings arrived, he was commissioned by his mother as a trusted guardian, an emphasis he continued through his life.
He was brought up in a most jovial household, and there was also the enjoyment for the children of the glory of the steam trains passing on a regular basis. These were irreplaceable memories that endeared the late Patsy to Clonmaulin.
Patsy married Bridie Doherty from Stonebridge, Clones, in April 1964, at the Sacred Heart Church in Clones and soon after the couple moved to Dublin, where Bridie had been employed as a civil servant. Patsy found employment within the booming 1960s building industry.
Patsy and Bridie decided they would sample Glasgow, before they returned for good to the hinterland of their births. The late Patsy, like thousands of Irish immigrants in Glasgow, became unfurled in the colours of Glasgow Celtic. That dedication was displayed at his requiem mass when his grandson Killian McKenna carried to the altar - in the presentation of his life’s artefacts - a Glasgow Celtic jersey and scarf.
Patsy and Bridie and their young family for a time took up residence in the new Donagh Conway estate, before the family returned to Clonmaulin.
Patsy saw the niche for a quartet who could accommodate the musical tastes of traditional, Country and Western and modern, and his band Patsy Jordan and the Blue Train Line became most popular. From that popular exposure, it enticed interest from the then most popular Erneside Radio, where Patsy was invited to take on his own radio slot and was an instant success.
Patsy was to establish himself under the pseudonym name of Patsy Jordan and again on the lounge bar circuit, the now well known name attracted active attention.
When the popular Radio Star Country commenced broadcasting its popular Country and Western request programme, Patsy Jordan was the popular presenter. The great entertainer continued broadcasting, before he bowed out, at the age of 70.
Patsy was a teetotaller and a life member of the Pioneer Association. He was a beacon light Christian, a Minister of the Eucharist, church collector, Special Service Steward, adoration member, Divine Grace Sodality, procession bearer and a participant at the newly formed St Peregrine Adoration Society. Above all he was friendly and had a good word for everyone.
Concelebrating the requiem mass with Fr. King were Fr. Gary Donegan, Ardoyne, Belfast, a personal friend of Patsy’s, who contributed his own personal homily, and Fr. Tom Coffey, a native of Clontivern and a classmate of Patsy McDonald at Clonmaulin school.
There was a huge family connection present, including his 10 surviving siblings. An overflowing congregation included members of his bands, radio colleagues and the surviving members of the Clonmaulin Young Irelanders football team of the early 1960s; Patsy had been a talented playing member.
There was wide family participation in the requiem mass. In its conclusion, Patrick McDonald Junior, son, praised his late father’s guidance. He thanked his mother Bridie for her care and attentiveness to his late father and to his immediate family for their love and concern. He thanked SWAH, his father’s medical team, the care nurses and all for their support. The undertakers, McAvinney Brothers, Newtownbutler, were also acknowledged.
Patsy was laid to rest in St. Mary’s cemetery. The final blessing and graveside prayers were delivered by Fr. Michael King PP and Fr. Gary Donegan.
Patsy is survived by his loving wife Bridie; his children and grandchildren: his son Patrick and his wife Ann Marie; his son Eugene and his wife Mary; his daughter Jackie and her husband Declan; his son Terence and his partner Jenny. He is also survived by his siblings and respective families; Francis and his wife Madeline; William and his wife Winifred; Oliver and his wife Bridie; Margaret and her husband Dennis; Leo and his wife Ann; Pauline and her husband Pat; Ann and her husband Hugh; Gerard and his wife Majella; Anthony and his wife Mary; and Kevin and his wife Dorothy; and the late Terence’s family. The tragic death of his younger brother, Terence, on Christmas Day 1970 was a huge blow to the close knit family.
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