Death of former Mayo garda evokes great sense of loss

The death has occurred of Derek Heeney, Rathbawn Drive, Castlebar, and formerly of Drimnagh, Dublin, Mornington, Co Meath, and Dooagh, Achill.

He was a retired member of An Garda Siochána who served in Dublin, Drogheda, Meath, Achill and the Garda Information Service Centre in Castlebar.

Predeceased by his parents Jack and Eileen and brother Frank, he is deeply regretted by his loving partner Ann-Marie, son Fiachra (Castlebar), daughters Aisling (Dublin), Roísín (Achill), and their mother Gráinne, brother John (Dublin), sisters Anne Gleave (Dublin), Catherine McGurrell (Dublin), uncle Billy (Dublin), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends, to whom sympathy is tendered.

Many lovely tributes have been paid to him on the RIP.ie social media site at:

https://rip.ie/cb.php?dn=457894

One described him as 'always being warm, kind and welcoming' while another stated he was 'a thorough gentleman with such a lovely, caring nature'.

Removal takes place from his residence on Monday at 10:30 a.m., arriving to St Patrick's Church, Pollagh, Achill, for Requiem Mass at 12 noon.

Interment takes place afterwards in Slievemore Cemetery.

The Funeral Mass may be viewed on

https://m.facebook.com/AchillLiveStreaming/

May his gentle soul rest in peace.