Crash victim Davey Doherty recalled as ‘a person who healed’

Bridgend crash victim Davey Doherty was remembered as a man who inspired so many people in their time of need.

Mr Doherty, who was aged in his 40s, died as a result of a single-vehicle collision at Carrowreagh, Bridgend, on Tuesday, August 29. He was the fourth person to be killed on Donegal’s roads in 2023.

His Funeral Mass on Friday at St Columba’s Church, Long Tower heard of a man whose kindness knew no boundary.

“He made his vocation in life to help those who were in pain,” Fr Patrick Lagan told mourners.

“He was kind and was described as a person who healed, a gentle soul with such compassion and kindness who looked out for you in your hour of need.”

Fr Lagan said Mr Doherty, late of St Brecan’s Park in Derry’s Waterside, was ‘so much loved’ as a father and a brother.

He is survived by his children Samantha, Beth and Daithi, his parents Geraldine and Noel, brothers Graham, Gregory and Andrew, nephews and nieces Jake, Amelia, Cain and Cara.

His brother Gregory watched the lifestream of Davey’s funeral mass from his home in Australia.

“His life, his very calling was the inspiration he afford to so many in their time of need,” Fr Lagan said. “His very life was the wisdom, the endless hours of conversation, compassion and kindness that so many discovered in him, almost like an act of healing.

“The stranger and the friend, he simply cared for and reached out to whoever was asking for help. He supported and he loved.”

In his young years, Mr Doherty excelled at sports and he later became attracted to nature.

Fr Lagan recalled how he spent a lot of time ‘simply in thanksgiving and gratitude of nature’. He said: “It became holy ground, a place and source of healing and peace.”

The late Mr Doherty was laid to rest in the City Cemetery.

Gardaí continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision and are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

A Garda spokesperson said: “Any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, and who were travelling in the Bridgend to Killea area between 8am and 9.30am on Tuesday August 29, are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Buncrana Garda Station on 074 932 0540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”