Westmeath mourns 'one of the greats'

Westmeath lost a hugely significant community figure last week with the passing of Peter Dolan, who has been described as "one of Moate's greatest treasures".

The father of four, who was aged in his mid-70s and had battled ill health for a number of years, passed away peacefully on Wednesday at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, surrounded by his family.

The esteem in which Peter Dolan was held in his beloved Moate was evident from the wealth of heartfelt tributes paid to him during the past week.

His fingerprints were on countless community developments and improvements, and Moate All Whites, the Tuar Ard Theatre, Moate Tidy Towns, and the Dún Na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park were among the local organisations which posted extensive tributes highlighting the contribution he made over the decades.

His funeral Mass in the Carmelite Church last Saturday was celebrated by Fr Jimmy Murray, and concelebrated by Fr Gabriel Kinahan and four other priests.

Fr Murray spoke of how Peter "has been an important presence not just in the life of his family but in the community of Moate as well, where his work and dedication brought so many enterprises to completion".

His "unique mixture of idealism and common sense" helped make Peter Dolan "a transformative figure in the lives of the local community".

His community and cultural involvements over the years included serving as a key figure in Moate Action Group, helping to develop St Patrick's Hall into the Tuar Ard Theatre, helping to establish the Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park, and working to set up the Moate Amateur Drama Group and Moate Men's Shed.

He was instrumental in Moate winning a Pride of Place award in 2016, and in 2019 received a well-deserved Cathaoirleach award from Westmeath County Council for his community involvement.

Peter also "owned the stage" in the Scór competition, winning no fewer than three All Ireland medals, three Leinster medals, and five county Scór titles.

"He was one of those people whose very presence was life-enhancing. He had an intuitive desire to make a difference, and he did," said Fr Murray.

In a beautiful tribute at the funeral Mass, Peter's daughter, Daire, said: "Dad lived life. He didn't sit back and watch it go by. He got stuck in... What an adventure it was, growing up with Peter Dolan as your Dad."

She spoke of how her mother, Carmel, was Peter's "anchor, his partner in everything," and that Sunday last would have been their 51st wedding anniversary.

The town of Moate, Daire said, was "one of his greatest passions".

"He gave 100% of himself to every cause. Whether it was benches, plaques, derelict buildings or interpretation signage, he was always focused on improvements, no matter how small. It wasn't just about the ideas, though, he put in the hours and hours of work," she said.

She concluded by saying: "Peter Dolan had a good life because he made it one, and we are better for having been part of it. This is your final curtain, Dad. Take a bow."

A tribute from Moate All Whites stated: "For nigh on half a century, Peter has been relentlessly contributing to the betterment of Moate in every way.

"He has been instrumental in all aspects of the performing arts in the town, as well as local heritage and history projects."

A tribute from the Tuar Ard Theatre and Arts Centre said: "Peter was associated with and had a leading role in everything that happened to make Moate better over the past forty years.

"The Bargain, Tuar Ard Arts Centre, The Library, The Harbour, Moate Tidy Towns, The Quaker Cemetery, The Railway Station and the recent erection of plaques depicting the historical importance of buildings in the town are all part of the extraordinary legacy which he left us."

Moate Tidy Towns described him as "our dear friend and supporter," stating that "his enthusiasm was infectious and he was an inspiration to so many".

And Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park said its existence was part of his enduring legacy.

"His legacy lives on in every path, tree, and corner of Dún na Sí - a place shaped by his dream and determination," its tribute stated.

Predeceased by his parents, Nicholas and Mai, Peter Dolan will be dearly missed and forever loved by his family, wife Carmel, children Daire (Basra), Nicky (Keane), Martin and Neil, his brothers Martin, Nick and Philip, sons in law Rajpaul and Cathal, daughter-in-law Tauna, grandchildren Emma, Finley, Roisin, Lucy, Milo and Robin, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.

May he rest in peace.