The two victims of the drowning accident on Lower Lough Erne were buried on successive days at the end of last week.
On Thursday, the funeral took place in St Michael's Church, Enniskillen of one of the two boatmen, Declan Swift (47), and on Friday, the funeral took place in St Joseph's Church, Mullaghdun of his classmate and friend, Martin Steele (48), who was the second boatman to perish.
The parish priest of Enniskillen, Right Rev Monsignor Sean Cahill, VG, was the chief celebrant of the funeral Mass for Declan Swift who was a member of the St Michael's liturgical team. Fr Brian D'Arcy, CP, the Graan assisted.
CLASSMATES
Mgr Cahill told the overflow congregation they were there, 'because on Saturday last the beautiful waters of Lough Erne turned cruel and treacherous and claimed the lives of two fine men, in the prime of their lives, from our community, Declan and Martin'.
He went on: "They were classmates at school, both were superb electricians, both shared a passion for the lake and for boats from their earliest years, and both were highly regarded in this community. We all feel a deep sense of loss at their passing".
His hope was that, in the days to come, both families would be able to recognise the massive love and support from the entire community as its tribute, and as a sign of its great love and concern for them.
Declan's wife, Marian read the passage from the Book of Wisdom that deals with premature death ('the virtuous man').
Mgr Cahill described Declan as, 'a lovely character, full of fun and goodness, and a model son, brother and uncle'. He said he and Marian were a perfect match and they reached out with love and kindness to their family and neighbours, never missing an opportunity to do a good turn for people. He referred to his meticulous workmanship and how he had recently been involved in work in the crypt of St Michael's.
Included in the congregation were those who had taken part in the rescue operation from the Boyne Fisherman's Rescue.
Prayers were also said for the cruiser couple who were eye witnesses to the drowning tragedy and did what they could, Wendy and Alan Ball, from Newtownards.
The burial was in Breandrum Cemetery where Mgr Cahill officiated.
A piper playing 'The Lonesome Boatman' led the cortege of Enniskillen-born, Martin Steele from St Joseph's Church, Mullaghdun on Friday following the funeral Mass celebrated by Fr John Finnegan, PP. Cleenish who was assisted by Fr Noel McGahan, CC, Enniskillen. Mr and Mrs Bell joined others who searched in vain for both men, and then for their bodies.
Fr Finnegan included the two friends and their families in his homily. He told mourners that he was on his way home when he heard a news item about the drowning: "I first thought it was two visitors who had been on the lake. Then, God knows, it struck me they were two local men, one of them one of my congregation. This was confirmed by the Police inviting me to the Police Station to administer the last rites to Martin".
'GRACIOUS'
Speaking about the Martin he knew, Fr Finnegan described the Steeles as, 'a lovely family, very gracious people'. And, he highlighted the way the whole family had prepared the funeral liturgy. He said it was a very sad time for the two families, and for the whole community who were shocked by the tragedy.
He went on:"We talk well of the dead, but when you listen to what people had to say about Martin and Declan, you realise their genuiness. Their families and all of us have lost gifted personalities. They radiated joy, happiness and love and we will be the lesser for their deaths".
Martin's partner, Rita, his mother, Teresa, Derrygore Terrace, Enniskillen and his brother, Freddie, Derrygore Terrace and his sister, Maria, Benmore Park, Enniskillen led the mourners.
The burial was in Cross Cemetery, Enniskillen where Monsignor Sean Cahill, PP, VG officiated. John McKeegan, Enniskillen handled the funeral arrangements for both deceased.
