There is deep sadness in athletics circles both in Donegal and across Ireland today, after the passing of Eamon Harvey.
The Donegal Town athletics legend passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.
A well-known athletics coach, Harvey tutored several generations of Irish athletes to success at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, alongside his work as a PE teacher at Abbey Vocational School.
At his first Olympics and Paralympics at the Atlanta Games in 1996, he coached St Johnston’s Bridie Lynch as she achieved Ireland’s first-ever Paralympic gold medal in the discus.
He also guided Sonia O’Sullivan as she took World Championship gold in the 5000m in Gothenberg the year prior.
All-in-all, athletes coached by Eamon took home a haul of 18 medals in the Olympics and Paralympics across the Atlanta, Sydney, Athens and Beijing games.
He was made an inductee of the Donegal Sports Star Hall of Fame in January, becoming the 50th inductee and just the eight athletics figure from the county to be given that honor.
Also, Tír Chonaill AC christened the inaugural Donegal Town 10k as the Eamon Harvey 10k last year in his honour – a race that will continue to bear his name and represent his legacy.
Eamon’s obituary notice is as follows:
The peaceful death has occurred of Eamon Harvey, Drimark, Donegal Town, surrounded by his loving family.
Predeceased by his parents Paddy and Roseabell, his brother Jimmy and sisters Kathleen Pryal and Patricia Brennan.
Deeply regretted by his loving wife Jacqueline, his children; Camilla (Shane Quinn), Deirdre (Charles Martin), Michelle (Andrew Gallagher), Pauric (Patrice Rooney) and Louise, his adored grandchildren, Lauren, Oisín, Charlie, Darragh, Emma, Alannah, Katelyn and Páidí Joe, his brother Colm (Sheila), sister-in-law Kitty Harvey, brother-in-law Martin Pryal, nieces, nephews, and all his extended family and friends.
May He Rest In Peace.
His remains will repose at Gallagher’s Funeral Home, Station Road, Mountcharles, (F94 X02N) on Sunday 1st March from 2pm until 8pm, and Monday 2nd March from 3pm until 8pm.
Remains leaving his late residence on Tuesday 3rd March for Funeral Mass at 11am in St. Mary’s Church, Killymard, (F94 C6T7), followed by interment in Clar cemetery.
Family flowers only please.
Donations in lieu if so desired to the Oncology Unit, Letterkenny.
The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed on the Gallagher Funeral Directors & Funeral Home Facebook page.
Link below: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CkpmFpPeb/?mibextid=wwXIfr.
House private, please.
Sadness after passing of Donegal athletics legend Eamon Harvey was last modified: February 28th, 2026 by Staff Writer
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