RELATIVES of a prominent GAA figure killed in a workplace accident in Co Fermanagh have spoken of their "utter shock and devastation".
Damian McGovern, who was in his forties, died on Friday in an accident involving a saw while working at a house near the Shore Road in Enniskillen.
The married father-of-four was a leading member of Derrygonnelly Harps GAA club for more than 20 years.
A former player, he went on to manage the club's minor teams and was the current youth chairman.
His brother John is the club chairman while another brother, Roger, managed the seniors last year.
A former publican, Mr McGovern also worked as a funeral director in Derrygonnelly village, where he lived, around 10 miles outside Enniskillen.
Speaking to the Irish News last night, his brother-in-law Ruairi Dundas, who is the treasurer of Derrygonnelly Harps, said everybody is "just devastated".
"Everyone is just completely numb. Nothing has sunk in yet. It is just something that nobody could comprehend or take in - a bolt from the blue. Everyone just feels helpless".
Mr Dundas described his brother-in-law as a "real focal point of the community".
"He was someone everyone turned to in times of need," he said.
"If there was ever a job to be done at the football club, chapel or community centre, he would have been the first person called. Damian did everything he could for everyone.
"He was involved in the football club, the parish and the community association. He used to be a publican. He was the undertaker.
"Damian was just a larger-than-life character. Everyone knew him. He was the life and soul of everywhere he went."
Mr Dundas said Mr McGovern's wife, Leanne, to whom he had been married for 17 years, had been left in "complete and utter shock".
The couple and their four children, Gavin, Ryan, Ronan and Niamh, went everywhere together, with the three boys playing for the club. He also described Mr McGovern's only daughter as the "apple of his eye".
The remains arrived home to the family on Saturday night.
"There was a guard of honour from the club that was huge. It astounded everyone. The house has just been constant and still is," Mr Dundas said.
"They are just completely overwhelmed by the support they have had from everyone in the community and throughout the county. Everyone has been doing everything they can, calling with condolences, food, making tea, looking after the kids."
Fermanagh County Board postponed yesterday's senior county final between Derrygonnelly Harps and Roslea Shamrocks, which was due to take place at Brewster Park.
Mr Dundas revealed that his brother-in-law had during the week sent a message to each of the players, telling them "how proud he was of them" ahead of the game.
"They just thought the world of him," he said.
"It’s a huge gap, to the club, to the parish, to everyone."
Requiem Mass for Mr McGovern will take place on Monday at 11am at St Patrick’s Church in Derrygonnelly, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
