A sports-mad seven-year-old killed in a road tragedy in Co Fermanagh was last night described as "inspirational young boy".
Coaches of Ryan McGovern, who was a keen young boxer and GAA player, said he would be remembered for his "endearing smile which never left his face".
He was knocked down on the Lattone Road, between the village of Belcoo and Garrison, on Sunday afternoon.
The middle of three sons, it is understood he was returning from his grandmother's house when the accident happened near his own home.
It is believed he was hit by a van, which was reversing, as he got out of a car at around 1pm.
A pupil at St Martin's Primary School in Garrison, Ryan was taken to hospital but pronounced dead a short time later.
Glowing tributes were paid last night by his school principal and club leaders.
Ryan was a keen member of Garrison Amateur Boxing Club, where he "boxed with a smile on his face" and was known for his one-armed press-ups.
His father Donal is a coaching volunteer at the club and his elder brother Daniel (8) also a club member.
In a heartfelt tribute, the Tyrone and Fermanagh Boxing County Board said they had lost "one of our most fervent young cadets".
"Ryan was an inspirational and aspirational young boy, " it said.
"He trained with gusto, had his techniques off to a tee and boxed with a smile on his face.
"Ryan had lightning speed, ferocious intensity and courageous tenacity in everything he did, proving this as recently as Friday last when he sparred in Bundoran Boxing Club.
"Ryan will be dearly missed within our close-knit club.
"There will be a vacant place at training Ryan, our hearts are aching and we selfishly want you back but until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
"Until then Ryan, remember; stay on your toes, keep those gloves high and keep that jab going. Not that you needed to be told that. Rest in peace wee man."
St Mary's Devenish GAA club also paid tribute to the young boy, describing him as a "much loved underage player".
"Ryan started playing his football with Devenish at Gaelic Start before moving on to underage level where most recently he lined out for our U8 team," it said.
"Ryan will be fondly remembered by his teammates and coaches as a tigerish and fully committed forward who gave his all for his team.
"Our thoughts and prayers today and in the days ahead are very much with all the families involved in this tragedy and with all in our community at this difficult time."
St Martin's Primary School principal Brian McGrath said they were "deeply shocked and saddened" to learn of the death of their P3 pupil.
"Ryan lived his life in school with great joy and will be sadly missed by his many friends and pupils at the school. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McGovern family at this sad time."
Ryan is survived by his parents Donal and Michelle and brothers Daniel and Ben.
