McGovern, Pat
April 27, 2011The funeral took place in St Naille's Church , Kinawley on March 30 of Pat McGovern, or 'Red Pat" as he was affectionately known throughout his life. It marked the end of what was a remarkably long and healthy life for one of he parish's most enduring and respected men.
He was born in 1916 to Patrick and Margaret McGovern into the family home in Springtown, Kinawley, along with his sister Molly (Breen) and would reside there for the next 95 years.
He received his early education at Slieve Russell PS and thereafter he started work on the family farm. Throughout his life Pat acquired a keen interest in many areas but most particularly sport, (GAA in particular) politics and the religious and it was no surprise that at the early age of 16 he made his way partly by bicycle to attend the Eucharistic Congress which was held in Phoenix Park in 1932.
He frequently recounted those events and it was clearly a source of great pride for him that he could attend such an event at a young age and it was an event which was to influence his life and the dept of faith he held.
Indeed that journey to Dublin by bicycle and train became a frequent and familiar path for Pat as he was an avid attendee of many All-Ireland finals, both football and hurling.
He was a great admirer of the Cavan teams of the 1930s and 1940s with which he held a special affinity they being from the native county of his forefathers. His knowledge of the game and its great heroes and teams was astonishing, he would frequently hold court and impart his knowledge to the amazement of those listening.
Of course his special love was for the green of Fermanagh and if there was a disappointment in this area, it was that he did not live to witness the Anglo Celt Cup coming to his native county.
His appreciation of sport extended to other codes as also, as he had the privilege of witnessing these at first hand through his attendance at Wembley and a Munster Senior Cup final in Thomond Park in the early 1990's.
In 1950 Pat married Margaret Maguire and together they raised a family of eight children- two boys and six girls. He was a devoted father and took a keen interest in all the children's activities. Pat worked hard in those years in developing the farm but still managed to develop friendships and pursue other interests.
Politics was one of those interests and in the 1960s Pat became an elected member of Fermanagh District Council and served for a number of years on the Library committee. Indeed his capacity to contribute to the local community saw him served for a number of years on St Aidan's School in Derrylin when it was established in 1970s, Kinawley GAA Club (Brian Borus) was his local passion and he was bestowed the ultimate the honour of being made a life president.
Pat was a pioneer all his life and it was a special pride for him to have celebrated his gold pin status.
As years moved on and his children grew up and got married Pat found a new interest in the 26 surviving grandchildren (Seamus RIP 1990) and three great grandchildren. He moved between families in London, Galway, America, Limerick and of course Fermanagh.
He displayed no favouritism but treated all grandchildren with equal status taking a keen interest in them all and giving encouragement always and of course delighting in all their achievements. Pat was touched with great sorrow when his second daughter Geraldine (Maguire) died in 1984. He bore the cross with dignity and his strong faith helped carry him through these difficult time. Pat enjoyed along and healthy life with Margaret and celebrated his 95th birthday surrounded by his family on the March 13, 2011 in Springtown.
His final two weeks were spent in the contentment of his home where he would have wanted to be in his final hours and from where he slipped away in the morning of March 28 as he would have liked no fuss and leaving only his legacy- a gentle person, loving father, inquisitive brain, obliging neighbour, friendliness personified and model human being in so many ways that we could all take a leaf from.
His Funeral Mass was con-celebrated by Fr Kelly, Fr Hannon and Fr Corrigan in St Naille's Church in what was a great turnout reflecting the esteem and fondness in which he was held.
The readings were done by Dympna Fitzpatrick and granddaughter Shauna McGovern with the prayers of the faithful recited by grandchildren Shaun Donnellan, Brian McCauley, Mary Catherine McGovern, Gemma Quigley, Rosin Bracken and Niamh McGovern.
Funeral arrangements were carried out by Pat Blake Derrylin.
The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to all who cared for Pat in his last years, doctors and all who called to help and expend sympathy.
Courtesy of Fermanagh Herald
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