Buncrana mourns death of Paddy “Neighbour”

Buncrana has been saddened by the sudden death of local man Pat McLaughlin, who passed away last Tuesday.Pat, a former postman and known locally as “Paddy Neighbour,” was well loved and respected throughout Buncrana and Inishowen, Born in Derry, the son Bridget and James McLaughlin, he was the fourth born in a family of eight.His brothers and sisters, Mary Josephine, Bridget, Tessie, Susan, Rois, Joseph and James (RIP) were raised in Linsfort in BuncranaPat went to school in Desertegney with his brother and sisters and at the age of 15 he secured a job in the Post Office as a telegram boy. Not long after, he became a fully-fledged postman where he worked for 50 years until he retired at the age 65.He married his wife Bridie over 40 years ago and had two children, Seamus and Patricia. He loved both children and in return was adored by them.A keen dancer he was once known to take his sister Susan to The Plaza on his motorbikeRecalling their many happy outings, Bridget said: “He loved dancing and was a keen waltzer. He was always on his motorbike as well. I remember when Fr O’Neill was in Desertegney he started up films and Pat used to run them every week for him and always came on his motorbike. We had a great time,” she laughed.The large party arranged for his retirement gave many of his old work colleagues and friends the opportunity to join him and his family in a night of dancing and laughter.Pat was not one for the retirement scene, however, and decided to invest in a newsagents in Buncrana where he worked up until eight years ago.A keen walker, Pat was often seen out in the early morning and evenings walking his dog “Snoopy” up until his last days.Pat’s funeral took place last Tuesday at which the eulogy was said by Fr John Walsh Singing and music provided by Neil Doherty.