David J. Donovan

Rank:	Private
Street:	Main Street
Townland:
Town/Village:	Granard
Civil Parish:	Granard
Catholic Parish:
Country:
Alternative Address:	Barrack Street, Granard
Census 1901:	Yes www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Longford/Granard_Urban__in_26_files_/Barrack_Street/1549980/
Census 1911:	Yes www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Longford/Granard_Urban/Main_Street/583733/
Regiment/Unit:	Irish Guards, 2nd Battalion
Regiment Number:	7042
Date of Death:	21-07-1916
Cause:	Died of Wounds, Somme
Memorial:	Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium
Information:	David was born in Granard c.1898. His father Jeremiah was a Cork-born member of the RIC, who had attained the rank of sergeant by 1911. David was one of 6 children, although sadly his mother had passed away by 1911. In his will, (link below), David named his father as his next-of-kin. David also joined the RIC. The notice of his death, published in the Longford Leader on the 12 August 1916, states: "Died from Wounds: The greatest sympathy goes forth to Sergeant J. Donovan, Granard, in his sad bereavement, occassioned by the death of his son, Mr. David Donovan, of the Irish Guards, who died of wounds received during the recent advance on the Somme. The deceased, who was a very popular young man in Granard, is deeply regretted. He was a member of the R.I.C. and volunteered for the 1st Batt. of the Irish Guards at the outbreak of the war. He took part in all of the principal engagements for the last 16 months before receiving the final call."
Parents Names:	Son of Jeremiah and Katie Donovan of Barrack Street, Granard.
Notes:	Catherine Donovan, mother of Jeremiah Donovan and grandmother to David Donovan is listed as living with the family in 1901.
Links:	Link to CWGC entry; Pte Donovan's will, (National Archives of Ireland); Notice of death, Longford Leader August 1916;