The hearse and sombre crowds inside and outside St Marys Church on Sunday 21st February 2010 demonstrated that someone special was leaving the Glenfarne community. The hushed and shocked crowds were still coming to terms that someone as gifted, generous and good as John McGovern had died so unexpectedly and tragically. The sense of disbelief was tangible; the sense of loss pervasive. Those who could not fit into the church whispered experiences shared of their dealings with John.

John was born on 12th January 1954, the youngest child of Pat and Mary McGovern of Loughross. He attended Loughross NS and then Kiltyclogher Technical School. Along with working on the family farm John's first paid job was delivering fruit with Cathal Kelly, Fruit Merchant. He then worked in Glenfarne Clayware - making clay pipes and bricks and with Jim Clancy in Glenfarne Sawmill. John had a gifted pair of hands and a great head for solving building problems. His main trade was as a Stonemason and the quality of his work can be seen far and wide throughout the country. John was a perfectionist by nature and was much in demand as a handyman in the community, turning his and to carpentry, plumbing, tiling, roofing, painting and numerous other jobs. His last major project was the restoration of his daughter's beautiful 19th century home - Knockadoo House in Coolaney, Co. Sligo.

John was an active member of several local community groups including Glenfarne Pastoral Council; Sacred Heart Prayer Group; Riverbrooke Cross Boarder Initiative and Glenfarne Gun Club. He was a member of Cloonclare Players Drama Group and played a major part in keeping the famous "Rainbow Hall" open after it was taken over by the parish. His skills as a basket weaver were much sought as he gave classes in schools and voluntary groups.

John was a lifelong republican. He longed for a free, independent and just Ireland. He was a most active member of the "Border Buskers" group; leading weekend attempts to reopen cross-border routes closed during "the troubles". He supported IRA military activity when there was no political way forward, but was happy that the Good Friday agreement provided a political framework for a peaceful way forward to unity, respect and justice.

Most of all, John was a loving husband, father, grandfather and father in law and a constant source of advice, support and help for his neighbours and friends. John married the love of his life Peggy (McKeaney) in 1973. They shared many wonderful years rearing their five surviving children having suffered the great pain of losing a precious daughter (Joanne RIP) within a month of her birth.

There were a number of guards of honour to accompany John's tri-colour draped coffin on his final journey, including Sinn Fein; Sligo Ladies GFC; St Nathys GFC; Belcoo Ladies GFC and Enniskillen Ladies RFC.

John is survived by his wife Peggy; Children Alan, Etna, Raymond, Paul and Marcella; Son in law Connor; Daughters in law Mary, Teresa, Edel and Leesa. Grandchildren, Emma, Amy, Saoirse, Tadhg, Chloe, Callum, Leteesha, Cria and Sadhbh. Brothers and sisters Helen, Terry, Bridie, Paddy Joe and Philip. He is predeceased by Bro Alloysious RIP.
During the funeral John's son in law Connor read a poem he had written which aptly sums up John McGovern.

John
When the Church has emptied and the clay has settled
And the crowds have come and gone;
And the months and weeks have passed us by,
And you sit and think of John.

I'd ask of you to hold one thought
You liked the most of John
And keep it dear within your heart
When other memories are gone.

'Cause that's the thought you'll need the most
In difficult times to come,
It will be the strength to carry you
When you most need to be strong

And remember too, the family
Whom he loved with all his heart
Their pain will last for many years
Their lives are torn apart

So think of them and say a prayer
That time will heal their pain
And that memory you keep today
Forever will remain

For the good will be rewarded
When God decides our fate
So have no fears for our friend John
You were more than good, you were great
Ar dheis De go raibh se

Leitrim Observer, March 26th 2010 Tweet

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