Death of former Omagh teacher

TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Ederney man, who was a teacher at St Patrick’s High School and a member of Omagh Golf club.

Brian Monaghan died earlier this month following a short illness.

Hewas born the eldest of a family of nine to Peggy and Barney Monaghan, and grew up on Ederney’s New Street and later at Leathem Crescent.

A pupil of Moneyvriece Primary School and a student at Enniskillen Technical College, Brian’s passion for education led him to De La Salle Teacher Training College in Manchester in 1968.

Qualifying with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1971, he embarked on a teaching career at Omagh’s St Patrick’s Secondary School, where his enthusiasm for education saw him rise to the position of head of the science department. Continuing his pursuit of knowledge, Brian also earned a Bachelor of Education Degree in Sociology from the Ulster Polytechnic, Jordanstown.

In the summer of 1974, Brian, and his Tyrone sweetheart, Sheenagh McShane, exchanged vows at the Church of Saints Mary and Joseph in Coalisland.

Their home at the top of Ederney’s High Street became the backdrop to the joyous upbringing of their five children— Seán, Niall, Aidan, Clodagh and Sinéad.

Brian’s impact on the community was vast and varied, earning him the affection and respect of all who knew him.

A man of the people, he seamlessly wove himself into the fabric of numerous organisations and countless lives.

One of Brian’s most significant contributions was to the GAA.

Recognised as one of the most intelligent gaelic football players from an early age, he proudly represented Lack and Ederney clubs and his county at various levels. From minor, under 21, junior to senior, Brian held positions in the half backline, midfield, and full forward, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. His involvement extended beyond playing to coaching, managing teams, including hurling, and contributing to the administration of Ederney GFC, including serving as chairman and other executive roles. The pinnacle of his sporting achievements came in 1968 when Ederney GFC secured its first Fermanagh Senior Championship title.

Beyond the GAA, Brian’s interests included golf, sparked by the opening of Ederney’s pitch and putt course in 1973, and further nurtured through his membership at Omagh Golf Club.

His commitment extended to Ederney Youth Club, where, in his time as leader-in-charge, he played a pivotal role in shaping the club’s activities, laying the foundation for a lasting impact on generations of children and youth in a club he helped set up, which is still going strong over half a century later. Brian also served as vice-chair for several years on the Fermanagh Youth Council.

From a young age, Brian was selfless in allocating his time to the parish, contributing to various capacities, from collecting stones in a bucket as a young boy after school from the lawn areas during the finishing of new church’s construction to serving as a altar boy.

Later in life, he continued his involvement through membership and secretaryship of the parish council, choir leadership, and volunteering as a steward at the Youth Mass in Galway during Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to Ireland in 1979.

Brian’s funeral took place at St Joseph’s Church, Ederney followed by interment in Edenclaw Cemetery.

Very deeply regretted and sadly missed by Brian’s sorrowing wife, sons, daughters, daughters-in -law, sons-in-law, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and entire family circle.