Mileshko

Former player and current friend Conor O'Sullivan, M.d., often swings by to spend time with his old pal Coach Conway.

everyone knows. There must have been many days when his illness caused pain, tiredness, and frustration, but he didn’t show it.”

Hunter has since moved to Denver, Colorado, and comes by to visit Dennis and Leana whenever he’s in town. Dennis and Leana say he is the ginger-haired son they always wanted—sort of.

When asked to reflect on his life story so far, Dennis says, “Samer Masaad, our lead pastor at Woodstock City Church, told us we must keep the faith during our setbacks. Our setbacks may be the setup for the most important part of our lives. This has been true in my life. All the pain, struggles, and loss have worked together to bring me to my greatest love and my most significant role in furthering the Kingdom of God.”

Coach Conway had to quit coaching in 2020 because the cold temperatures had become too hard on him. MS and cold are not friends. Now an “indoor cat,” he volunteers at Woodstock City Church in its special-needs Sunday school class and leads a small college-aged group called Coach’s Corner.

A Note From The Author

Dear Readers, you probably noticed I share the same last name as Dennis Conway. Indeed, he is my husband. When I was asked to write this article, Dennis’s biggest worry was that he be made to sound like a much better person than he is. While he is a great inspiration and great guy, he is no saint. I have lived with and taken care of him 24/7 for the last twenty years. There are days when we are very frustrated with each other and days when I have refused to plug in his wheelchair until he smartens up.

That said, I know no one else as determined as my husband to do something useful with his life all the while having fun. Dennis has the heart of a lion, and

I love him fiercely. –Leana Conway

donovan's

(Top Left) Chef Ira's Chicken Ciabatta, paired with crispy fries, is a perfect lunch or dinner item. Light, fresh ingredients make this sandwich sing.

(Top Center) Donovan's has an extensive list of ales and others for you to choose from.

(Top Right) Cheesy goodness is the best way to describe the buffalo chicken dip at Donovan's.

(Bottom Left) This savory basket of chicken tenders and french fries will surprise you with outstanding flavor.

(Bottom Right) The cozy and unique pub-style atmosphere at Donovan's makes customers feel at home. Irish pubs are known for their dive-bar environment, stout beers, and traditional bar food. DonovAn’S IRISH CoBBLER in the heart of Towne Lake follows that tradition; however, the owners have gone many steps further and crafted a neighborhood pub with a delectable menu.

The family-friendly pub often cited as the local hangout for friends and families is rated five stars by newcomers and regular customers. Head Chef Ira Thompson uses signature Donovan’s recipes, fresh ingredients, and special techniques to create authentic Irish dishes. Early on, Chef Ira discovered a passion for cooking and creating. His passion matched perfectly with what restaurant owners Jim Donovan, Jacob Donovan, and Brandon Poteet had in mind, and they have all worked together since the business began twelve years ago.

Jim explains, “Our food is excellent and our staff is top notch, which is why our customers continue to come back.” With many of its dishes made from scratch, the pub created a more compact menu last year to focus on using only the highest quality recipes and the best and freshest ingredients.

The restaurant feels like a true Irish pub with its dark wood, dim lighting, and Jameson whiskey bottles on the bar. The intimate booths are perfect for a night out, while the bar seating welcomes all who want to enjoy drinks and appetizers. The Ales and Others drink menu offers a variety of staple cocktails, cordials, mules, bourbons, and whiskies to choose from. In addition the Irish Cobbler’s Beers of the World menu educates customers on the many beer styles. You simply must stop in and sip an Irish ale!

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(Top) Fish and chips is a tradition that deserves excellence—exactly what Donovan's delivers.

(Center Top) Comfort food is taken to new heights with the mac and cheese with sweet and spicy chicken tenders dish.

(Center Bottom) Sweet-heat nachos are perfect for sharing around the table with friends and family. (Bottom) Save the best for last and dive into Donovan's delicious blueberry cobbler.

Donovan’s IrIsh Cobbler

Donovan’s IrIsh Cobbler

The covered outdoor patio buzzes on uuu gamedays, weekends, and warm sunny days.

Jim explains that the outdoor seating adds an atmosphere that makes Donovan’s a destination for families and friends to enjoy time together. An outdoor television means you don’t have to miss any of the game by sitting outside while enjoying a cold brew.

Donovan’s isn’t simply a late-night spot, though. It serves an elegant and tasteful brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday. Eggs benedict, walnut-encrusted French toast, and of course the traditional Irish breakfast are just a few of Donovan’s delectable brunch dishes. MENu SAyS: Sweet-Heat Bleu Cheese Chicken Nachos

HAyDEN SAyS: This appetizer is made with house potato crisps, bleu cheese crumbles, green onions, freshly diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and sweet-heat grilled chicken. The sweet-heat nachos are balanced well, and the salty crisps and the tangy bleu cheese tame the spice of the chicken.

Visiting Donovan’s Irish Cobbler feels like stepping into an elevated yet casual Irish bar. The friendly staff, superior food, and great environment have kept people coming back to Donovan’s for a dozen years. Celebrate Irish traditions with the staff on Saint Patrick’s Day and enjoy the authentic grub and exceptional atmosphere all year round.

MENu SAyS: Buffalo Chicken Dip

HAyDEN SAyS: A crowd favorite, the buffalo chicken dip is made of cheesy goodness that makes it impossible to turn down another bite. It comes out of the kitchen bubbling, and the buffalo spice entices you as soon as the plate is set down. The dish is made with Donovan’s signature sauce and cheese blend and served with traditional Irish chips and grilled flat bread.

MENu SAyS: Crispy Chicken Strips

MENu SAyS: Fish & Chips

HAyDEN SAyS: The beer-battered cod comes in with a crisp crunch and melts in your mouth with a buttery finish. A golden-brown exterior opens to a warm, flaky filet inside. The fries are battered in rice flour, giving them a crunch that doesn’t dissipate while you enjoy them. Tangy house-made tartar sauce complements each bite.

MENu SAyS: Mac & Cheese with Sweet & Spicy Chicken Tenders

HAyDEN SAyS: A classic combination is taken to new heights in this dish. The chicken tenders are covered in a sweet and spicy Thai sauce, creating beautiful blend of salty, sweet, and spice. The tenders sit atop a bed of penne pasta covered in Donovan’s own cheese sauce.

MENu SAyS: Guinness Bangers & Mash

HAyDEN SAyS: It wouldn’t be an Irish Pub without serving traditional, authentic Irish brats. The old-fashioned mashed potatoes with Guinness gravy features mushrooms and fried onions. The traditional Irish flavors of this dish round out the dining experience.

HAyDEN SAyS: The golden-brown handbreaded chicken strips are savory and perfectly juicy. Served with Donovan’s signature crispy fries, this staple entrée is far from ordinary. Spice it up a bit and ask for buffalo strips for only a small extra charge.

MENu SAyS: Ira’s Chicken Ciabatta

HAyDEN SAyS: The grilled chicken sandwich, a new menu item, is served on warm ciabatta bread with mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, arugula, and spinach. Chef Ira’s creation has taken a classic sandwich a notch above, with the inclusion of basil pesto aioli that adds a delightful aroma and taste.

MENu SAyS: Blueberry Cobbler

HAyDEN SAyS: If there’s a menu item that is sure to cap off your dining experience, it’s Donovan’s blueberry cobbler. The mouthwatering recipe comes from the Donovan family and feels complete with its dusting of powdered sugar and delicate dollops of fresh whipped cream.