The late Tom Courtney There was widespread regret at the sudden death of Tom Courtney, Drumhaw Lisnaskea who died at his home on the 13th February 2007. Tom, who was 64, will be sadly missed by his sister May, brothers Eamonn & Oliver, brother in law Jon & sister in law Geraldine, nephews, nieces, grand nieces and two of his finest friends Brian and Michelle Doogan. Tom was a very popular figure in Lisnaskea. A lifelong Barman, many would know him from working in Frank's bar and Macs bar with his good friend Ollie Swift. Tom also worked for a number of years for Frank Maguire MP in the "original" Frank's Bar. He was a much loved member of the community and a character about the town who knew young and old alike and treated everyone with the same good humour and respect. Tom was a loyal friend and the people of the community meant as much to him as he did to them. Caretaker of the Lisnaskea Parish Centre, Tom never faltered in his responsibility towards the groups and organisations who frequented it. He diligently maintained the centre like it was his own home ensuring that everything was organised to his own high standards. A lifelong member of Lisnaskea Emmetts, he represented the club at all age levels. Those who on his day could give the best he met, a torrid time. Upon his retirement from playing he continued to work within the club and this included a spell as Groundsman of Emmett Park. He was devoted to the promotion of Gaelic Games and Irish Culture and involved himself wholeheartedly in the club's activities over the years. Tom was also a frequent spectator at Fermanagh matches, travelling the length and breadth of Ireland in support of the county team with his good friends Dee, Paddy & Peggy. The town and the people of Lisnaskea meant the world to Tom and the community spirit and the loss felt was clearly evident in the crowds of people who attended at his home and Funeral Mass which was celebrated by Canon J Mullen. This was a great comfort to Tom's family. His late mother, Agnes Courtney (nee McGinley) hailed from Mallinmore, Glencolmcille, Co Donegal. Tom ensured that the Donegal connections were kept alive and he would take regular trips to catch up with family and friends. Likewise they would call with him when passing through the town for football matches and such like. Tom also kept a weathered eye on the footballing fortunes of Donegal and was extremely proud of the achievements of Naomh Columba's Noel Hegarty who lived next door to his mother's family and who recalls with fondness boyhood fishing trips with Tom on Mainmore Bay. Tom will be sadly missed, but never forgotten him. "Ar dheis De go raibh a anam". May his soul be at God's right hand side. Courtesy of The Fermanagh Herald 28/02/2007 Tweet

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