The death took place on 24th July last of Louie McGullion. He is survived by his sisters Josie, Kathleen and Molly, and by his brothers, Mickey and Eamonn. Louie was born on the 8th December 1932 in the family home in Stratore, Derrygonnelly one of nine children. He attended St Patrick's Primary School in Derrygonnelly under the watchful eye of Master (Tom) Fee who encouraged and cultivated Louie's talent in gaelic football. Louie went on to play for the Harps. At 18 stone, he was an imposing full-back. This love of football ensured Louie's placed in the history of Derrygonnelly Harps history when, in 1959, he became the first senior captain to hold aloft the league cup.

Louie was extremely proud of this accomplishment and was delighted to be part of the Derrygonnelly Harp's Book launch only a few years ago. He was well known and loved for his sense of humour.
Louis worked for the Forest Service once he left school and always spoke fondly of his time there. He was a hard worker and made many friends and earned the respect of all who met him.
During this time, the family moved to Sandhill, and Louie built up a small farm around him and when his father took ill, he left the forestry and took up a job as a town orderly with the council in order to be close to home and support his sister, Josie, who was caring for their father.
Louie loved to have family around him, and, come the summer months, the house full of nieces and nephews. Louie would plan days out cutting the hay which seemed morelike day trips to the children.
In the mid 70's, Louie found himself in a new role as two young nephews, John and Joe moved in. Louie helped raise the two boys as only Louie knew how. He became a
father figure to them, and when John moved to New Jersey 17 years ago, Joe came to regard Louie as al- so a new big brother, and helped him with the farm work.
Louie had a wonderful caring way with animals, and this he passed on to Joe. Louie's faith was immensely strong. He attended Mass daily, and, if he missed Mass, he and his sister Josie made their way to the Graan. Louie had a great friendship with Fr. Arthur (the Graan) and would spend most of his spare time driving Fr. Arthur about the country so that he could carry out his duties.
Louie loved to ceili with friends and family, he had a love for music and he was also a fan of John Wayne and Laurel and Hardy
He was a well known and respected figure in the town and never passed anyone by without stopping to pass the time of day.
In 2011, Louie's health started to decline when he developed Alzheimer's. He moved into the Graan Abbey Nursing Home in May of that year and remained there until his death last month.
He is sadly missed, but his spirit lives on in the many legacies he left behind him.
He was predeceased by his parents and by his brothers and sister, Paddy and John, and Margaret.
He is survived by his sisters and brothers,, Kathleen, Molly, Mickey, Eamonn and Josie.

Courtesy of The Fermanagh Herald Tweet

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