Late Dessie Devine The death of Dessie Devine, Lowville, Ahascragh, after a long illness, evoked widespread sympathy. Though only 57 years of age, he had a colourful and illustrious career. A former "King of the Fair" in Ballinasloe for the Great October Fair, the late Dessie was known over a very wide area for his stage performances, mostly in comic roles. Dessie Devine was firstly a family man and secondly a "handy man". His first job as a trainee mechanic in Brennan's Garage of Ahascragh set him on a career where fixing, mending and restoration of mechanical engines and accessories were his forte. During his many years in the A.T. Cross factory in Ballinasloe he was gifted in the manufacture of delicate parts for special performance machines. And he also enjoyed the challenge from a neighbouring or friend when something out of the ordinary needed repairing or fixing. His large collection of restored antique possessions were testimony to his love and patience in bringing them to fruition. On the stage he had few equals in solo comedy sketches or linking up with good pal, Pat McGovern, in duets that had audiences 'rocking in the aisles'. He was no mean solo singer and was a competent performer on the button accordion. For several years he took the stage with the Ballinasloe Musical Society, playing the roles of the Ugly Sisters (with Pat McGovern) in "Cinderella," Lady Anna in "Old King Cole," Pepe in "Viva Mexico" and Ali Hakim in "Oaklahoma." In latter years he became a great Karaoke presenter with his shows in pubs and hotels around the country and was always one of the most sought after acts at the New Inn Mummers' Festival, while his solo performance on the stage in Mount Temple, some years ago, with a live hen, was probably the greatest ever. The huge congregations that attended the Removal of his remains from Portiuncula Hospital were testimony to his popularity, and likewise at the funeral in Killure Cemetery. Two of his brothers, Fr. Paddy Devine, a former President of Blackrock College in Dublin, and Fr. Jimmy, who ministered for many years in Malawi, were Concelebrants of his Funeral Mass, which was attended by over twenty priests. His coffin was draped with the No. 1 jersey, in memory of the shirt he wore in goal for Fohenagh hurlers, while the local GAA club provided a Guard of Honour to acknowledge a man that was an inspiration to his community, both on and off the field. Dessie Devine will be missed by many people but most of all by his wife, Kathleen; son Francis; daughter Monica; his many brothers and sisters as well as numerous relations and friends. He brought a smile and tears of laughter to many ... but he will be best remembered as a great family man, devoting his energies and loyalties to those nearest and dearest to him. Courtesy of the Connacht Tribune 10 February 2006 Tweet

Most Read Stories