The Executive Committee and members of St. Enda’s GAC would like to extend their deepest sympathy to the family of the late Brian McGuigan who sadly passed away this morning (Fri) in Altnagelvin Hospital.
Aged 86, Brian was a native of Irvinestown where he had the honour of winning a Fermanagh senior league and championship medal with the local St. Molaise team in 1952 before he moved to Omagh when he became a long standing supporter of St. Enda’s. During the late 60s and 70s he was a key member of the club’s Park Committees which helped to oversee the development of Healy Park in 1972 and the subsequent maintenance of the pitch and club facilities over the years.
An affable and popular character, Brian also helped to develop the club’s successful weekly bingo sessions which began in Omagh Townhall in the early 70s and it is a tribute to Brian and his fellow workers that the bingo continues to thrive today.
St. Enda’s was always blessed with men like Brian McGuigan who are prepared to work hard in the background to make sure the club does well on the playing pitch and he was always close to the action every Sunday when he donned the white coat as umpire at games around the country. Along with Peter Mullin, Leo Turbitt and the late Harry Rodgers, he regularly supported club referee Paddy Devlin when he took charge of important games and all of these men got their just reward in 1972 when they were chosen to officiate at a game in Croke Park between Offaly and Cork but the highlight for Brian and his St Enda’s club mates was the 1974 All-Ireland final between Dublin and Galway when Paddy and his team took charge.
Brian’s wife Vera was also a leading member in the club and for many years worked alongside Mrs Keys and the late Mrs McClements and Mrs Mulryan as the club’s ‘Ladies Committee’ who catered for club players and members on regular occasions. His sons Brian (RIP), Gerard and Paddy also played football for St. Enda’s and he was also proud to see his grandchildren continue the tradition with the club today at youth level.
A former long-time resident of Gortrush Park, Omagh, Brian is survived by his wife Vera, sons Kevin, Gerard and Paddy, daughters Pauline and Carmel, grandchildren and wide family circle. His remains will leave Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, this evening (Fri) and will repose in his home at 12 Farmhill Close, Killyclogher. Funeral on Monday in St. Mary’s Church, Killyclogher with burial in Drumragh Cemetery, Omagh.
