Popular Ballyshannon Gael and raconteur PJ Ferguson, who died suddenly on Monday,
will be buried this morning (Thursday 22nd November) after 11 a.m. funeral mass in
St Joseph’s Church, The Rock.
PJ died just yards away as he and his brother Gerry were putting the final touches
to the
new home he planned to move into with his wife Ann later this week.
For many, PJ will always be affectionately regarded, as one of a kind.
The couple were preparing to transfer from their residence of several years at Erne
Dale Heights, Ballyshannon, when tragedy struck unexpectedly shortly after his 65th
birthday and just five weeks after the death of his father-in-law, Gerrard Gallagher,
of Lisminton, Ballintra.
Hundreds of sympathisers who offered condolences to the family fondly recalled many endearing aspects of PJ’s life.
He was widely known for his GAA connections with Ballyshannon and St Josephs (the famous Ballyshannon/Bundoran combination of the sixties and seventies), with
which he won a number of senior championships, and for his involvement as manager
with Aodh Ruadh.
He seldom missed a club or inter-county match. More recently, he was famous
throughout
the county and beyond as the “ambulance-driver” who ferried his friends
Jim “The Natch” Gallagher, Anthony O’Malley-Daly and Joe O’Neill to football grounds
across the country.
They were happy to be driven by the former London bus-driver who, on his return to
Ireland, worked in a number of sales positions, most recently with the Canada Life
Insurance company.
His nifty footwork on the dance-floor – “the best jiver in Donegal”, according to many partners – and his dedication to the memory of The King earned him the nickname Elvis.
His enthusiasm for Gaelic games was almost matched by his passion for horse-racing,
boxing, soccer and many other sports.
He was a proud student of history and particularly of the history of his beloved
Ballyshannon.
PJ is survived by his wife Ann, daughters Moya and Karla and son Gerrard.
He was one of a family of six boys and four girls and was pre-deceased by his parents Mick
and Bridie and a brother Tommy.
Tributes were also paid to PJ on yesterday morning’s North West Today on Ocean FM by
former colleagues and friends.
Another friend told the Post: “PJ had that rare ability to light up any company that he was in. His knowledge was phenomenal, he wore his passions on his sleeve; he was without doubt,
one of the true genuine and great Gaels to emerge from Donegal over the past half century.
“He will be deeply mourned, as a friend and colleague, but for many he will always be remembered as a person, who always brought a sense of humour to life.”