Northern Ireland

Co Fermanagh businessman who died after slipping and falling into freezing water was 'devoted husband'

Co Fermanagh businessman Sean Drumm, who died on Saturday in Derrylin after slipping and falling into freezing water in a private marina.
Co Fermanagh businessman Sean Drumm, who died on Saturday in Derrylin after slipping and falling into freezing water in a private marina. Co Fermanagh businessman Sean Drumm, who died on Saturday in Derrylin after slipping and falling into freezing water in a private marina.

A Co Fermanagh businessman whose remains were recovered from a private marina following a "freak accident' was a "well-known and well-liked member of the community".

Mourners gathered in Teemore yesterday for Requiem Mass for Sean Drumm, who died on Saturday.

The 69-year-old, a married father-of-two, fell into freezing water after slipping on an icy jetty at a private marina at Corraquill Lough in Derrylin.

The businessman, who ran Corraquill Cruising Holidays with his wife Mary, is believed to have been checking his boat at around 12 noon when the accident happened.

The tragedy is understood to have been discovered by Mr Drumm's assistant, who raised the alarm when he returned from lunch.

Following a search, Mr Drumm's body was recovered.

Speaking yesterday to mourners at St Mary's Church in Teemore, Fr Gerard Alwill said Mr Drumm as "a good man, a kind man, a virtuous man".

The parish priest, who described what had happened the grandfather as a "freak accident", said Mr Drumm had been a "devoted husband and a dedicated father" and his sudden death had left his family "totally stunned".

"The suddenness of Sean's death, the unexpected nature of it and the shock, all of this is bound to have left the family baffled and bewildered and lost," he said.

Fr Alwill said Mr Drumm was a "well-known and well-liked member of the community".

"He was a great friend and a good neighbour," he said.

The priest said Mr Drumm has also been dedicated to Teemore Shamrocks GAC, where he played for a time, winning "championship medals" and on retiring from playing, remained involved with the running of the club, both as a manager of junior teams and also on the Executive Committee.

Teemore Shamrocks GAC also paid tribute to Mr Drumm, who had worn the jersey for more than 30 years and had won five senior championships during his "decorated career".

The club said the 69-year-old's sudden passing had left members "saddened and heartbroken".

Following Requiem Mass, Mr Drumm was buried in the adjoining cemetery.