Paddy Montague from Beragh in west Tyrone died at the age of 85. His funeral took place on Sunday at a Requiem Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Montague volunteered for decades with Easilink Community Transport, becoming one of the longest-serving drivers in rural west Tyrone. He transported residents to hospital visits, shops and social events. Records show he provided references describing himself as pleasant, helpful and honest when he first joined.

He also worked 26 years as caretaker and school bus driver at St Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School. Pupils and staff formed a guard of honour for his cortege after the funeral.

Montague received a St Patrick’s Medal last week from Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh for his work as sacristan at the church. Parish priest Fr Sean McCartan noted in his homily that Montague earned respect across generations and won an award for best supporting actor in local amateur dramatics.

During the Troubles, Montague managed his family’s Corner Bar in Beragh. Paramilitaries targeted the premises twice in the early 1970s, including a bomb explosion in 1972 on a nearby street.

He is survived by wife Patricia, daughter Claire and sons Sean, Stephen and Brian. Montague was predeceased by son Paul in 1992 and grandson Conor.