Desmond (Des) McGovern

So sorry to hear of the sad passing of Des. I worked with Des over 20 years ago & his passion & commitment to his work stuck with me. My sincerest condolences to his family.

Des no words can describe how much love and happiness your brought to the lives of everyone you have ever known. You were the most caring and wonderful man and a true gentlemen. I had the honour of not only knowing you but having you as my dear uncle. You will be dearly missed forever and always . Until we meet again 🥰 love you always xx

Very sad news RIP DES 🙏🙏🙏

He be sadly missed by us all.

Sincere Condolences to Dessie's Family, if I'm feeling his loss now after 40 odd years, then I can only imagine the feeling of loss that Terry, the Children and Grandchildren are feeling, given that they had the good fortune to have Des close by, day to day. Des had an abundance of empathy and insight and quickly got to the heart of the issue that troubled you. I was part of the Bosco Team that travelled to the USA in 1977 and Des at 22 years of age led the group. An old head on young shoulders. At a time when I had lots of self doubt, he gave me the confidence I needed to begin a life journey that I am certain would not have happened without Des.
His star will always shine bright in the heavens. Rest in Peace Des.

Sorry to hear off des passing condolences to his wife and family and the extended McGovern family

Sincere condolences to Des’s family. Des was a very kind, caring & helpful person. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. RIP Des

Sending my condolences to all of Des family. He was a gentleman and I have fond memories of when he coached me during my Bosco days

Sincere condolences to Terry and all the McGovern family.

Condolences on the death of Des thinking of all his family at this sad time.

So very sorry for your loss. Deepest Sympathy to all the family. May Des R I P.

My sincere condolences to Terri and all McGovern family. Des was a great man, with a big heart, true gentleman and a great support in difficult times. We enjoyed breakfasts and chats in canteen. Bridge House will not be the same without Des. Rest in Peace Des

Well Dessie,

Where do I start, Des been in my work life for a very long time! I’ve never in my life met a man that had that Ora of kindness and warmth for Dessie was a “pure soul” he never thought of Dessie
First he always thought of everyone else and that just shows you the man he was! He loved his family and most important his wife who was his “pal” now Dessie you left no stone unturned on earth you have done what you had to do now heavens gates it ready to open for a real saint…. Miss u pal x

My condolences to Terry and all the family . I know Des since 2005 when I started in Bridge House. I have such fond memories of our trips all over Ireland, to Scotland and The USA. Des was a solid and loyal work colleague. He was always watching out for new staff and made a difficult job that much easier with wise words or just a comforting chat. You were definitely a good ‘ one’ and will be sadly missed by all that you knew. Your Mass today was beautiful, very fitting and your family did you so proud. Take care Des, fly high and thank you for everything over the years . X

Sincere condolences to Des' family and friends. Des was a gentleman. Rest in Peace.

Its only when we lose someone we realize the impact they've had on our life.
Growing up with sean and greg and having you and terry in my life was like a second set of parents, always an ear to listen without judgement.
Things we took for granted as kids and never afraid to put me in my place when need being.
I know my ma and da hold you in such high regard after how you reacted to me getting meningitis, i just wish I'd thanked you enough.

It was a pleasure to have known you, our giant gentle Des.

Rest in paradise

My sincere condolences to the McGovern family. I worked as an Access Worker with Des, before moving to the 'dark side' and training as a Social Worker. Once Des forgave me for jumping ship, he was always there to offer support, advice and a few laughs. He saw many people come and go through Bridge House but he was a constant there. It's hard to believe he won't be there the next time I call in. Des was a true advocate for the young people he worked with, often breaking the rules if he thought it was in the young person's best interests. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

With sincere condolences at this sad time. Prayers and thoughts are with the family. R.I.P. Des.

Sincere sympathy to the mc govern family on the passing of Des i had the pleasure of knowing des when he worked in SR VS one of my many memories was every 2nd Sunday was a family mass in the centre and des would be there with his 2 children rip in peace des 🙏🙏🙏

Thinking of all the mcgovern family at this devastating time rest in eternal peace Des sincere condolences 🙏

I was very shocked and sad to hear of Des's passing. I worked with him during my brief time in Cherry Orchard and from day one he made me so welcome. He was very friendly and warm. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Very sorry for your family at this sad time very friendly neighbor and friend and a gentleman we had the pleasure to know,May he Rest In Peace 🙏🙏🙏🙏

A Legend, a pure Gentleman & a true Champion to all the children, young people & families he supported over his career vocation in Tusla, are only some of the thoughts that come to mind when thinking of Des. I had the honour to call Des a colleague, a mentor & a friend when we worked together in Aftercare in Tusla. His dedication, passion, enormous kindness & unrelenting advocacy for the young people he supported was unmatched, and he never minded whose feathers he needed to ruffle to get the best outcomes for each of them. I loved our 'meetings' in the canteen in Bridge House, where Des would hold court & everyone would flock around him. With a wink & a nod he always got that little bit extra for breakfast off the canteen ladies who were mad about him. There was no such thing as a quick call or meeting with Des either, you needed to clear your diary for both! I have the pleasure of being in contact still with some of the young people Des supported over the years, who always ask after him, and continually state how they wouldn't be where they are today without all the support & 'fight' Des put in for them, even when they couldn't always appreciate it at the time. They told me that they could never thank Des enough. My sincere condolences to Des's wife, children, grandchildren & family & friends today who he truly adored, thank you for sharing your Des with us all ❤️

we send our love and condolences to Des wife and family. Des was one of the best men i've ever met. You could always trust that he would be honest, funny, respectful and that he could give you a verbal ass kicking when needed. Des i hope you will be happy and at peace wherever your next journey maybe be. thank you for being a great man, great friend and thank you for all the advice and for looking out for my family.

you will be greatly missed

r.i.p pal

Gallagher/Pepper family

Thanks for all you did for our family over the years especially when Ann was sick we will never forget that, also the encouragement for me to stay travelling and see the world, all greatly appreciated, R.I.P - Kev

My deepest sympathy to Des's family at this difficult time. I worked with Des for many years in Cherry Orchard and he was a true gentleman. His kindness and ability to empathise with others was keenly felt by all who worked with him. His loss will be greatly felt. He treated everyone he met with the greatest of respect and he always had a listening ear. Des was a wise man with incredible warmth. Rest in peace Des.

Sincere condolences to the McGovern family at this very sad time. I had the pleasure of working with Des in Tusla and I will never forget how warm, kind and welcoming he was when I started working in Bridge House. He introduced himself to me on my first day, took me under his wing and brought me around all the offices and introduced me to everyone. After that, he showed me where the staff canteen was, welcomed me into the breakfast club and from that day on we would enjoy many chats over cups of tea. His presence in Bridge House has been hugely missed over the past few months and it’s hard to imagine the place without him. He had such a kind and caring heart and gave so much to the profession of social care over his years of service. He will be missed by all who knew him. May you rest in peace Des, thanks for everything 💔🙏🏽

I’m so sad to hear of Des’s passing at a time when he should have been making plans to enjoy his retirement after so many years giving to others.

Bridge house will not be the same without Des walking the corridors. He was a great man for the chat and would never pass my door without popping his head in. He was such a kind and generous man who always went above and beyond for his colleagues and the families that he worked with.

My condolences to all of his family whom he always spoke so fondly of. RIP Des x

Deepest condolences to Des' family. It was a pleasure to have crossed paths with Des. Will miss the chats, cuppa's and bumping into him on our wanders around the corridors of bridge house. Will fondly remember the sound advice and wisdom he shared with me. Rest in peace Des.

I am deeply saddened by the news of our dear old pal Des. Words cannot even begin to sum up the true gentleman Des was. He touched so many hearts on a daily basis. Des along with his buddies in the breakfast club never failed to put a smile on my face everyday before setting into the adventure which awaited us in work. Des spoke so fondly of his family particularly his grandchildren. I am particularly delighted Des made the trip to my home place of Achill island last year with his grandchildren. Rest in peace, until we meet again x

My sincere sympathy to des's wife , children ,grandchildren , extended family and friends, a true gentleman , i had many a good chat and laughs with des in the canteen in cherry orchard hosp , when i was temping ..a friend to all , thanks des RIP 🙏

So sorry to hear of Des's passing. I worked with him for a few years in Bridge House. He was always so kind, friendly and caring. He could never do enough for people including the many young people he worked with over the years. Sincere condolences to Des's family and friends. May he rest in peace.

I worked with Des for many years in dublin south central. Des was so kind, talented and so in tune with his clients. Des was always there to listen and when I had a tough day he always asked was I okay. Des was such an asset to the aftercare team and he always simply, just cared. Xxx

so sorry for your loss Terry,Greg,and Sean . .Des, a nicer man you could not meet .may he rest in peace 🙏🙏

My condolences to Des' family and friends.

Des was a very caring person and he will be deeply missed by the many people who have crossed his path. You couldn't visit Cherry Orchard and not be made feel welcome by Des. It's very sad news, but I hope that many happy memories of Des fill people's minds when they remember him.

RIP Des. Total gentleman. From all the gang in Ballyfermot Leisure Centre

We were so sorry to hear of Des’s passing, we saw firsthand what an amazing advocate he was for children in care. He was a great man to have fighting your corner. Deepest sympathy to his family and friends, may he rest in peace.

I worked with des with tusla and he was a gent of a man rip des you be missed by all thinking of your family and freinds

Condolences to all of the Mc Govern family on Des's passing. Reading through all the messages here it shines through how well thought of Des was by all those who knew him. Always welcoming and ready for a chat, but always asking how you were doing. Your presence will be very much missed in Bridge House. Rest in peace Des.

My deepest sympathy to the McGovern Family & friends on the loss of Des a wonderful colleague and friend all through the years. Cherry O has lost a true Gem & it's been a privilege to have known him, worked with him, learned from him, taken his sage advice and had so much craic with him along the way.
Rest in Peace Des you are missed and will be remembered fondly.

Ali

So sorry to hear of the passing of Des. He was such a gent! May he rest in peace Thinking of all his family at this sad and difficult time.

Deepest condolences to the McGovern family. Des was one of a kind. He was so welcoming when I started in bridge house and always popped his head around the office door to check in. He was always at the end of the phone with calm, compassionate and practical support in a crisis. RIP Des x

Deepest condolences to the McGovern family. Des was one of a kind. He was so welcoming when I started in bridge house, always popped his head around the office door to check in and was always at the end of the phone to step in with calm, compassionate and practical support in a crisis. RIP Des x

My sincere sympathies to all of Des' family. I worked with Des for a number of years and remember him very fondly. RIP

Sincere sympathy to all of Des’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.

My deepest condolences to all the family. Des came into our life when he used to bring my foster son to access as a baby. He later became his aftercare worker and shared our journey from fostering to adoption. He was a wonderful advocate for my son and I will be forever grateful for that. Rest in peace Des ❤️

Des was such a genuine character with an unwavering kindness to all he came in contact with. He would look out for everyone and share his many words of wisdom, topped off by his humour and charm. Sincere condolences to his family and those closest to him; it is no secret he truly adored his family. RIP Des.

How can I sum up what Des meant to us all in Bridge House it’s just impossible! He was a larger than life character with the biggest heart to match. A true old school Dub that gave my banter a run for its money! He was so passionate about helping the most vulnerable children and families and went above and beyond for them . But his biggest love in life was his family when he spoke about his grandkids his eyes would light up! I’ll miss the laughs and banter pal keep your family and friends safe! Love Joy & Niall

Huge condolences to Des’ family and friends on his passing. Des was the most welcoming when I started in Bridge house, full of stories, advice and jokes. I enjoyed the 8am tea chats before the day started, fondly. Des always beamed when talking about Terry, his kids, and his adored grandchildren. He was the hallmark of commitment to the young people he worked with, the families, and his colleagues. Rest in peace, Des. Thank you for everything.

RIP Des.
Fond memories when you were the ANCO instructor in Nelson Street around 1983/4.
Always had time to give advice to that generation of youth and a very funny man too. 🙏

Rest in peace to the most intelligent man I had the pleasure of knowing you always tried to guide me growing up even if I didn't seen it that way lol, you will be sadly missed des I'm glad you can tell nana all about Billie when you get there I know your at peace back with your mother father brother and sisters love

I’ll miss all our adventures all around Ireland, with me, you and Joe, I’ll always love you RIP grandad

So sorry to hear the sad news of Dessie's passing. He was one really nice man. We stood side by side many times with himself and Terry as we supported our son's , while they played for Crumlin Utd...A true gent...Deepest condolences to Terry and the lads, and all Dessie's family...Rest in peace Dessie...💙

Sincere sympathy to Terry Greg Sean and all the McGovern family.May Des rest in eternal peace.

So sorry to hear abt des, he was a top man, I've known des since I was 16, he got me involved in managing schoolboy football with the bosco when I was 18 years old, loved every minute of it, he had a big influence on my lifes early years, so sad, heaven truly has a star up there now, RIP des, fiddler,

Such sad news. I will forever remember Des as someone who emanated kindness, care and compassion for the young people and families he worked with. He was devoted to his family and always spoke so lovingly of his wife, sons and grandchildren. He was the best colleague and friend anyone could ask for, supporting and guiding so many of us on our journeys. Always ready and willing to respond to any task -big or small. He also had a wicked sense of humour which kept us sane when we needed it most. Thank you for all that you were Des. You will be missed. Sincere condolences to Terry, Greg, Sean and his wonderful family and friends.

Rip des a true gentleman condolences to all the mcgovern family

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Des. An extremely genuine and very likeable person. His personality was a plus to all who knew him. Our very sincere condolences to his wife Terry and all the family and to all those who cared for him. May he Rest In Peace.

Deepest condolences to the McGovern family on your sad loss I have fond memories of Des from the time I managed the teams that Sean played on at Cherry Orchard Des was an absolute gentleman This world is a sadder place without him

Uncle Des, you will be truly missed by everyone who knew you. A true gent with a kind heart. We are so greatful to have had you at our wedding earlier this year. You were always happy to share your knowledge of the world with us and we will miss the chats at my mam & dads kitchen table when we pop home for the weekend!
Love Sarah, Ben & Eliza xx