Hundreds expected for gypsy king funeral
Published Date: 17 March 2009
Many hundreds of relatives and friends were today attending one of Wigan's biggest gypsy funerals.
'King of the travellers' John Doran, 69, who latterly lived in a distinctive cottage off Scot Lane, lost a brave battle against liver and stomach cancer.
The father of six surviving children, as well as eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, was also a popular member of the settled community with his own chair at his local, the Bowling Green at Newtown.
Many will be swelling the ranks for the Requiem Mass at St Edward's RC Church at noon today.
An exporter who made a living salvaging lorry engines and transmissions for sale abroad, Mr Doran ordered the funeral be a celebration of his great love of life and family.
As a result, there will be no traditional black on show.
He will be taken to church in a white carriage pulled by seven magnificent white horses, while the mourners, including his widow Violet, will be carried in seven silver-coloured limousines.
Originally from Roscommon in the Irish Republic, Mr Doran was the son of legendary 'Champion Piper of Ireland' Felix Doran. And some of his music is due to be played by brother-in-law John Rooney during the proceedings.
Mr Doran was also a much respected greyhound man, whose dogs won races organised by travellers all over the country.
There are potentially so many mourners coming from Ireland and Scotland for the funeral that residents have been asked by police to park their cars as close to the kerb as possible along the route in an attempt to keep it as clear as possible.
He will be buried in St Helens Cemetery, near to his late baby daughter's grave.
The full article contains 292 words and appears in Wigan Evening Post newspaper.
Many hundreds of relatives and friends were today attending one of Wigan's biggest gypsy funerals.
'King of the travellers' John Doran, 69, who latterly lived in a distinctive cottage off Scot Lane, lost a brave battle against liver and stomach cancer.
The father of six surviving children, as well as eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, was also a popular member of the settled community with his own chair at his local, the Bowling Green at Newtown.
Many will be swelling the ranks for the Requiem Mass at St Edward's RC Church at noon today.
An exporter who made a living salvaging lorry engines and transmissions for sale abroad, Mr Doran ordered the funeral be a celebration of his great love of life and family.
As a result, there will be no traditional black on show.
He will be taken to church in a white carriage pulled by seven magnificent white horses, while the mourners, including his widow Violet, will be carried in seven silver-coloured limousines.
Originally from Roscommon in the Irish Republic, Mr Doran was the son of legendary 'Champion Piper of Ireland' Felix Doran. And some of his music is due to be played by brother-in-law John Rooney during the proceedings.
Mr Doran was also a much respected greyhound man, whose dogs won races organised by travellers all over the country.
There are potentially so many mourners coming from Ireland and Scotland for the funeral that residents have been asked by police to park their cars as close to the kerb as possible along the route in an attempt to keep it as clear as possible.
He will be buried in St Helens Cemetery, near to his late baby daughter's grave.
The full article contains 292 words and appears in Wigan Evening Post newspaper.
Labels: Funeral, Gypsy King, Travellers, UK
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