County Fermanagh is mourning the deaths of four community stalwarts in the space of a few days, with tributes paid to a former Derrylin footballer, a physiotherapist, and two lifelong GAA servants.

Neil Shannon, formerly of Derrylin, died unexpectedly on July 12 at his home in Lisnaskea. His funeral will be held on Thursday at St Ninnidh’s Church, Derrylin, at 11am, following removal from his home on the Kilmore Road at 10.15am. Reposal will take place at the home on Wednesday from 10am until 10pm.

Mr Shannon played for Derrylin O’Connell’s GAA club and was part of the side that reached the Ulster intermediate semi-final in 2014. The club has postponed all activity until after the funeral as a mark of respect. A club spokesperson described him as a tough and accomplished footballer whose early retirement was a loss to the senior team.

He is survived by his parents John and Pauline, brothers Mark, John, Ryan and Gerard, and his partner Niamh.

Ernest Irvine, a physiotherapist from Ederney, died on July 11 at his home in Kesh after a battle with cancer. He worked with several sports teams across the county, including Ballinamallard United, NFC Kesh, Ederney St Joseph’s, Pettigo GAA, the Fermanagh and Western Select Squad and Fermanagh SuperCupNI squads. Away from sport, he was a painter and decorator with a love of traditional Irish music, history and fishing.

Seamus McLoughlin, a former vice-chairman of Fermanagh GAA and honorary president of Newtownbutler First Fermanagh’s, was remembered by his club as one of its greatest servants. He represented the club as a player and administrator at both local and county level.

Tommy Callaghan, a member of Roslea Shamrocks’ ‘Glorious 50s’ team and a former executive, was hailed as a legend of the club who helped develop its facilities over decades.