Peter ‘Duck’ McDonald remembered as ‘peacemaker’ and ‘beacon of hope’ at Funeral Mass
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00:00He was a man who lived the Gospel through his actions, always seeking to alleviate injustice,
00:07fight for the underdog and care for the vulnerable.
00:12Our first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us that the righteous man, though
00:17he die before his time, will find rest.
00:20Peter's life, though seemingly too short, was lived with a profound sense of purpose
00:26and dedication.
00:28His legacy will live on for generations, carried forward by those who he touched, inspired
00:35and loved.
00:36For Peter was a remarkable man of many gifts, and he used those gifts for the betterment
00:41of his family, his community and the world around him.
00:46He was a peacemaker, a diplomat, a problem solver, always reasonable, always level-headed.
00:54In the midst of the troubles, Peter was a protective force for his family and a beacon
00:59of hope for his community.
01:02He was a visionary, ahead of his time, working tirelessly for a new and better Ireland.
01:08He believed in the possibility of change and helped usher it in with his cross-community
01:14support, his dedication to justice and his unwavering belief in the power of unity and
01:20community.
01:22Peter's love for his family was immense.
01:25He met his beloved wife, Julie, on a chance night out and then, after their first date
01:31at the Stardust, they started going out seriously, a moment that would lead to a lifetime of
01:38shared love and joy.
01:40Together they raised two wonderful children, Ciara and Darren, who gave them five beautiful
01:46grandchildren.
01:48Peter was a best friend to them all, treating each one with the same love and care.
01:54His heart was always on his sleeve, showing his family and friends just how deeply he
01:59cared for them.
02:02Peter's passion for his community was matched only by his ability to bring people together.
02:07He was an expert organiser, a man who could see what needed to be done and had the drive
02:13to make that happen.
02:14There are countless acts of quiet kindness that he performed, deeds that may have gone
02:20unnoticed by many, but were deeply felt by those who he helped.
02:26Peter never sought recognition.
02:28He simply wanted to make the world around him a better place.
02:32Even in his final days, as he battled illness, Peter remained devoted to others, never worrying
02:39about himself or complaining about his condition.
02:42He continued to work for the people he loved, sorting out problems and offering help from
02:48his deathbed.
02:50His devotion to God, his nightly prayers and his love for Padre Pio gave him strength and
02:55comfort even in the face of suffering.
03:00Peter found joy in life's simple pleasures.
03:03He loved the horses all his life and managed to get to Cheltenham this year with his grandson
03:08Arran, a memory that will undoubtedly be cherished.
03:12He enjoyed a night away in Kerry Keel, a place of downtime and relaxation where he could
03:17unwind and switch off from the busyness of community life.
03:22He enjoyed a flutter on the machines there, but they were not just a game for him, an
03:27opportunity to share company and the crack with others.
03:32He was a natural entertainer.
03:33He loved the limelight, but it was for him a chance to be with people and to bring joy
03:39to those around him.
03:41Today, as we mourn the loss of Peter, we are also called to celebrate his life and
03:47his remarkable legacy, whose earthly journey has come to an end.
03:52His memory and all that he built will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to
03:57know him.
03:58As we entrust his soul into loving arms of our Heavenly Father, we take comfort in knowing
04:04that he now rests in peace, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him.