The golf industry in Ireland is still coming to terms with the loss of Donal McEvoy who died peacefully on Friday after a battle with a long illness. A huge influence on so many of us during a brilliant career in golf, Donal represented renowned brands like PING Collection, Ahead and Skycaddie through his company Wildan Sports which he started 28 years ago.
Donal always used his success to help grow the game of golf here in Ireland with his established brands providing backing to everything from grass roots development right the way up to professional golf. These sponsorships proved essential in providing playing opportunities for players at all stages of development and extended to the PGA in Ireland with whom Donal held a special relationship throughout his career in golf.
A much-loved character across the country, Donal was always warmly welcomed at every golf club he visited. He was genuine, quick-witted, popular, and his love of golf was only outdone by his love of his family who will sorely miss him.
We will all miss Donal. The golf industry in Ireland won’t be the same without him around, nor will his beloved Lansdowne FC rugby club where Donal enjoyed a coaching role in the oval ball game. His impact at Lansdowne matched that of his impact on golf, fuelled by pure passion, a massive work ethic and infectious fun, and is sure to leave a lasting mark long after his passing. Rest in peace, Donal.
Donal died peacefully after a long illness bravely borne, sadly missed and deeply regretted by his family, his much loved and loving wife Gill, his treasured sons, William, Daniel, Andrew and Alex, his soon to be daughter-in-law Yvette, his brother David, sisters Michelle, Jean, Clodagh, Yvonne and Gráinne, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Donal’s Funeral Mass in Dublin will take place in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook at 11am on Tuesday, September 14th, and in Co. Galway in the Church of St. Patrick, Clonbur at 12 noon, Wednesday, September 15th, followed by burial at Rosshill Cemetery. Donal will repose at home on Monday, September 13th, from 5pm to 8pm. Donal will repose in Burke’s Funeral Home, Clonbur, on Tuesday, September 14th, between 6pm and 7pm.
For those who would have liked to attend but cannot please see the following links:-
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