Tributes to former school principal

Widespread sadness coupled with a sense of fondness for a man many will remember as one of life's true and quiet gentlemen, was expressed in Garrison and much further afield in the last week as the news filtered through that 'Master' Dessie Neilan, former principal of St Martin's Primary school, passed away at his home after a year long illness last Wednesday morning.

Dessie 72, and from the glen road, was best known as the popular headmaster of St Martin's where he worked as principal from its opening in 1973 right through to his retirement in 1997.

Before that Dessie was the principal of Devenish No 2 school, vice principal at St Mary's secondary school in Brollagh and a teacher in Cornahilta, Fassagh and Fintona.

Dessie took great pride in teaching and as well as the academic side, was equally involved in directing the religious aspects of school life and was a great suppporter of the GAA. Some of his proudest moments at the school revolved around sport - such as when the school won a seven a side tournament in Lisnaskea. Dessie was equally proud when Fermanagh played Donegal in the semi-final of the championship on a day when seven of the 15 Fermanagh players hailed from the parish and who sorted all their playing careers under his direction at St Martin's indeed, his coaching were recently acknowledged and commended at Devenish GFC's gala ball in November.

Dessie was married to Mary Grimes, a native of Beragh, and they had three sons, Adrian, Kevin and Damien and eight grandchildren.

Dessie's popularity was evident at his largely attended funeral Mass in Mary queen of Peace Church, Garrison on Saturday morning where staff and pupils of St. Martin's primary school, members of Devenish GFC and the local pioneer association held guards of honour.

His funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Joe Mcveigh and concelebrated by Dessie's cousin Fr Martin Gilcreest, Canon Patrick Lonergran, Fr John Phair and Fr Brendan Shannon. Dessie is survived by his wife Mary, nee Grimes from Beragh, his three sons, Adrian (Fiona), Kevin (Linda) and Damien (Anne), grandchildren Matthew, Emms, Kate, Ciara, Aine, Sean, Lochlann and Grace and his sisters Susanna McGovern, Bridie Carty, Minnie Ferguson (Liam) and Eileen O'Reilly (Hughie).

Courtesy of the Fermanagh Herald 15/12/10 Tweet

Most Read Stories