Hugh crowds paid their respects earlier this week to auctioneer and well-known GAA figure Donie Shine following his untimely passing.
A famous figure within the GAA, Donie Shine served as Roscommon and Clann na nGael manager and more recently as match analyst on Shannonside Radio.
Mr. Shine, an immensely popular figure, died on Friday last after a brave battle against illness.
When the news spread of his untimely death there was a huge outpouring of grief and sorrow at the passing of a GAA legend, who was known and respected all over the country.
Aged in his mid-60s, Donie Shine came to prominence in a GAA context as a player with Clann na nGael, with whom he won seven SFC medals. When he retired from playing he managed Clann to complete domination of Roscommon club football, with the team winning eight county titles in a row. Indeed Clann na nGael’s achievement of winning six Connacht titles in a row under Donie’s management is a feat that will probably never be equalled.
While All-Ireland club success eluded Clann, Donie went on to manage the Roscommon senior team from 1994 to 1997. Donie also managed Roscommon minor and U-21 teams over the years and for many years was a member of the County Board Executive. In latter years he was a regular analyst on Shannonside Radio alongside commentator Willie Hegarty.
Donie worked in Roadstone for many years before setting up an auctioneering business. He was known all over the country not only for his GAA feats but for his business and family connections too.
Donie was popular wherever he went and his engaging, outgoing personality made him great company whether it was through business, the GAA world, or socially.
Huge crowds attended the removal, requiem Mass and burial, with people travelling from all over the country over the course of last weekend.
The chief celebrant for the requiem Mass was family friend Fr. Liam Devine and there were Guards of Honour from the Clann na nGael club and Roscommon GAA.
The late Donie Shine is mourned by his wife Lil, daughters Karen, Clodagh and Susie, sons Donie and Mark, brothers Pat, Michael and Enda, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, further relatives and a wide circle of friends.
