On Monday Fermanagh GAA and Derrygonnelly Harps buried one of our own as thousands attended the funeral of Damian McGovern.
Heartbroken family and friends heard Parish Priest, Fr Jimmy McPhillips, describe how Damian McGovern was “A shining light in our Community and was the perfect father and husband that will leave a legacy forever in Derrygonnelly”.
The entire Derrygonnelly Harps sides from Under-10 right up to senior level were among the mourners as well as a number of schools.
Fr McPhillips said that in the days since his death, Damian had become a focal point for an “astonishing outpouring” of goodness and kindness in the darkest of appalling tragedy.
Only last week Damian acted as an umpire for Derrygonnelly Harps in a Reserve Championship Semi Final victory over Teemore and a few days later did likewise again in a Division 1 Under-12 League Final against Derrylin. If Derrygonnelly Harps were involved then Damian was there in some capacity.
The tragedy will be felt throughout the Fermanagh GAA family, and on behalf of all of Fermanagh GAA County board, management, players and other officials we extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Damian’s wife Leeanne, sons Gavin, Rian, Ronan and daughter Niamh. His mother Irene, brothers John and Roger and his sister Grainne and the entire McGovern and McGinley families.
Father McPhillips summed it up beautifully, “I could – we all could – talk about this legend for ever. And that I know will continue to happen in the days, and the weeks and months ahead”.
The football fields of Fermanagh will be a quieter place without you Damian, keep the Harps colours flying high in Heaven.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
