Sean McDonagh (RIP)

We are very saddened to hear of the passing of a key stalwart of Comhaltas in Britain; John Francis (Sean) McDonagh. Sean, hailing originally from Kilcornan, County Limerick, near the Curraghchase Estate, was the son of dairy farmers. Sean arrived in England in 1956, where he would work in many different roles including as a pig farmer, a ticket collector on the buses, and as a silver-service waiter at Rowton Hall in Cheshire. 

Eventually Sean made his way south, where he became a lifelong member of the Leagrave Branch of Comhaltas in Luton. Sean dedicated years of his life to Comhaltas committees, serving as Chairman of the Leagrave branch of Comhaltas and also the Midland Region, as well as holding office as an auditor for the Provincial Council of Britain. 

The McDonagh family were key figures during the height of the Leagrave Branch from the 1970s onwards. Sean’s two sons Michael and Chris were esteemed musicians, and together with his wife Celia, Sean would always make sure there was plenty of food and tea for everybody. Many Comhaltas members across the country will have fond memories of Sean welcoming us annually to Princethorpe College for the Midland Regional Fleadh, and we were delighted to see Sean helping out once again at the recent All-Britain Fleadh in Coventry. 

Sean’s dedication to Comhaltas over the years was a real testament to his kind, compassionate and hard-working character. In 2019, we were delighted to be able to present Sean, and other sadly deceased local stalwarts - Denis Whelan, John Hutcheson and Larry O’Hanlon - with long service awards, recognising the time and effort they have dedicated to promoting Comhaltas in Luton over the years. 

We extend our deepest sympathy to Sean’s wife Celia, his two sons Michael and Chris, and the rest of Sean’s family and friends. 

The loss of Sean to Comhaltas and to the Irish community will be felt for years to come. 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Funeral arrangements for Sean are as follows:

Monday 8th September, 11:00AM

St Joseph’s RC Church,

68 Gardenia Avenue, 

Luton,

LU3 2NS

(written by Bernie Ballantyne, former Secretary of Leagrave CCÉ)