Tributes paid to legend of Drogheda printing industry Michael McDonnell
Michael 'Red Mac' McDonnell as he affectionately known had unique skills as he was trained as both bookbinder and a printer.
He was born and grew up in the Dale, right in the middle of town and only a stone's throw from St Mary's Church.
He began his career in the printing industry at 15 years of age first with the Drogheda Printers in Bolton Street where he served his apprenticeship, then the Trinity Press before joining the Drogheda Independent and was a popular figure among the staff with his pleasant and helpful personality.
Michael was renowned for his hard working ethic but also his wonderful sense of humour and he loved nothing more than a laugh and a joke, doing the job he loved.
In 1992 he and his wife Noreen decided it was time to go it alone and he set up his own small printing works in Fair Street which became hugely successful.
He later set up a small printing workshop at the back of his home in Cherrybrook Drive and he happily worked away week in, week out, never letting a customer down, right up until he took ill in early April.
He met Noreen, a member of the Matthew family from Marian Park when they were in their late teens. They went on their first date for a drink in the Gwent bar in West Street, and had been together ever since.
The couple would have been 50 years married in August and had three wonderful children together, Jeannette, Linda and Richard who they adored.
Apart from his family and printing, Michael's other big passion in life was supporting Tottenham Hotspurs.
He was thrilled to see them win the Europa League, their first European trophy in 40 years. His family recorded the game and got to show it to him as he lay in his hospital bed.
Hundreds of people attended his funeral mass at St Mary's Church and burial afterwards in Calvary Cemetery.
A large number of tributes were paid to him on the RIP website.
Michael and Maria Campbell wrote: "I always enjoyed a chat with Michael reminiscing on the past, you could always guarantee to come away happy and smiling. We will always remember him as one of nature's loveliest people. You will be greatly missed
Isobel and Gene McKenna said: "Sincere sympathy to the McDonnell family on the passing of Michael. A true gentleman, Michael was a great colleague in Drogheda Printers over the years. May he rest in peace."
Frankie Mulryne said: "Sincere condolences to Noreen, Jeanette, Linda and Richard and the McDonnell family on the passing of Michael, a great character and true friend who will be remembered with great fondness as the Red Mac. May he rest in Peace."
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