The Late Cathal Duffy There is nothing like death for making us all stop, take stock of our lives and reflect on our own fragility. Such it was for the community of Botha on Saturday 30th April when we woke to the sad news of the death of Cathal Duffy, Springfield. At 47 Cathal had packed so much into a short life and yet had so many more new and challenging projects to fulfil. Ambitions and progressive, Cathal loved a challenge and the energy and enthusiasm he committed to every task he took on earned him much respect and admiration from everyone who worked with him and knew him well. For Cathal however, family not business was central to his successful life. He was a much loved husband, father, son and brother and he was happiest when in the company of family and friends. He was fiercely loyal, sometimes hot headed but always forgiving. He enjoyed a joke and was not beyond 'winding people up', but he could always take as good as he gave. His enormous smile and hearty laugh will be remembered. Cathal valued and cherished the simple pleasures in life; weekends in Strand Hill and Moville with his family, a drink with friends in the Linnet inn, walking Belmore Forest where he grew up and of course Football. Having played with Derrygonnelly Harps GFC, Cathal continued his involvement with the club, supporting fundraising events and promoting and encouraging his love of the GAA. Last summer was one of the happiest of his life and with his family he passionately followed every single game in Fermanagh's run in the All-Ireland Championship. Cathal's passing has left a huge void for his family and friends. There is so much we will all miss about him. Fr. Joyce in his homily described cathal as a spiritual man, who lived out his spirituality in many people he came into contact with. In the Book of the Apocalypse John heard a voice from heaven say, "Blessed are those who die in the Lord! Blessed indeed, the spirits say; now they can rest forever after their work, since their good deeds go with them!' Courtesy of the Fermanagh Herald 24th May 2005 Tweet

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