GAELS in Fermanagh and Tyrone are in mourning following the death of Derrylin O'Connell's club stalwart Padraig 'Porry' McGovern.
The 60-year-old from Mullyneeny, Derrylin, played goals for the club for more than 40 years winning county championships at junior and intermediate level. He also represented the county at over 40s level.
Mr McGovern died on Saturday following a short illness.
Derrylin O'Connell's PRO Tommy Gunn said the village of Derrylin had lost one of its "most iconic personalities" and a "genuinely good person".
He said Mr McGovern was a "dedicated clubman and fund raiser supreme", earning him 'club person of the year' several times.
"For years and years he manned the gate at O’Connell Park on matchday, tin box in hand, collecting the admission money," he said.
"He had a conversation with every patron, friend and foe alike, which often resulted in long traffic queues up the Sheetrim Road."
In recent years Mr McGovern developed a close affinity for Dromore GFC.
A Dromore club spokesman said Mr McGovern was "a gentleman".
"He was a larger than life character, he had an ability to fill a room with a feel good factor, and his pleasant humoured nature was infectious," he said.
As a mark of respect, Mr McGovern's number 1 jersey was placed on the gates of Derrylin O'Connell's grounds. Members will form a guard of honour as his remains make their way to St Ninnidh's Church in the village this morning ahead of Funeral Mass at 11am, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
The son of Patricia and the late Seamus, Padraig was a brother of Dermot, Brendan, Fintan, Mary and the late Francis.
