The arrangements for Donal's trip to the U.S. were made in the usual efficient manner by his loyal personal assistant, confidante and soulmate Alison. He would visit his cousin Kate on Long Island, New York. Donal was never one for "sun" or package holidays and always carefully planned his foreign trips to coincide with some family occasion, whether wedding, birthday or as in this case the Christening of Kate's daughter Ciara. He had only recently been to London with his parents Danny and Nuala, attending his First Communion of his nephew Daniel. He was the favourite uncle to all his nephews and nieces and its was incumbent on him never to miss a birthday or important event in their lives. He also made regualar trips to Glasgow to see his beloved Celtic, and spoke fondly of the family connection to the club through the Fallon's.
He loved Long Island and Southampton in particular. He had worked there on and off over a decade, along with friends from Clara and also many locals whom he befriended readily. He had re-visited Southampton often, and always felt "as at home" there as in his native Clara. He would be accompanied on this occasion by his sister Mary. Reports filtered back about the weekends happy events, and then the shocking news that Donal had died suddenly. We were all numbed at the tragic news and our hearts went out to his devastated family.
Into a short life-span Donal had packed so much living; more than most of us could evisage even in old age. He operated a thriving architectural services business in Tullamore. He was also involved in the management of the family business, the ever popular DOC'S bar in Clara.
As a lad he attended the local schools, St. Francis Boys and Ard Scoil Chiarain, where he nurtured his artistic and creative talents. He was greatly influenced by his grandfather Dan, himself an artistic person and an accomplished songwriter. Dan inscribed the breast plates for all the local funerals and on Dan's passing Donal took on the breast plate duties.
While still at school, Donal fostered a great love of all things Irish. He always signed his name in Irish, hence DOC Design and DOC'S bar; and he rejoiced in all great Irish achievements whether sporting, artistic, industrial or otherwise. His politics were Republican unreservedly and this was clear to all who knew him.
His great love was the GAA, particularly hurling and he distinguished himself on and off the field. At underage Donal won medals for U16 hurling and minor football with Clara. While in school he won Leinster and All-Ireland football medals with Ard Scoil Chiarain. He also played with Offaly in the Centenary year All-Ireland Vocational hurling final along with his brother Paul and Ronan Scully. In Community Games he won an All-Ireland silver medal for volleyball. An untimely car accident put an end to a promising playing career.
He dreamed of Clara playing hurling at Senior level and his dream was fulfilled in 2003. Along with John Nestor he instigated the setting up of a separate committee to promote hurling; and out of this came the Clara team that won the Intermediate title in 2003 and graduated to play senior hurling for the first time since 1948. He was so proud of that achievement. Donal served on the executive committee and was Club Vice-Chairman for a period. He was a great promoter of Bord na nOg and the local schools and he backed his support financially. He would often be annoyed by lack of commitment from players. In his capacity as selector he was always on time. To see lads arriving late and offering petty excuses for missing training would frustrate him, yet it never deflected from his goal.
Through his business interests he met with many clients. His approach was "hands-on" and he was available at all times for consultation. The business of the office was carried out in a thorough and efficient manner. Donal set high standards. He was fair to his staff and they were loyal to him unreservedly. He was never authoritarian and the office was a lively, happy and a friendly workplace.
Bureaucracy and the planning process often annoyed him. He "felt for" his mainly young clientele who were constantly being frustrated and delayed by the system. This would leave him "tetchy" at times but his bark was worse than his bite, and you were allowed to bite back.
He was a friend and a benefactor to many. We are reminded of his benevolence daily since his passing.
To his devasted parents Danny and Nuala, his sister Mary, brothers Paul, Padraic and Sean and to all his extended family we offer again our deepest sympathy. Our hearts are emptier for his passing yet stronger and more enriched for having known him.
Often in the course of a days work Donal used the term Benchmark. The Oxford dictionary describes it as follows;
"A standard or reference point against which something is measured, a touchstone"
Thus was the life of Donal Rabbette (28th July 1967 - 5th July 2006)
Jimmy Hughes
