It was with deep regret and much sadness that the community learned of the very sudden and totally unexpected death of Francis McManus, Market Street, Enniskillen, which occurred at his home on Saturday 23rd February.
Aged 83 years, Frank as he was popularly known by his legion of friends both near and far, was born in Gortoral, Kinawley, where he spent his boyhood days helping on the family farm there. But it was at a time when there were very few jobs around, and difficult to pursue a career.
However, from an early age, Frank took a keen interest in the licensing trade, and he took up his first employment in Mulherns Licensed Premises in Belmore Street, Enniskillen, where he remained for nearly forty years. He also spent some time in Magees Bar, East Bridge Street and in later years in Blakes of Derrylin.
An excellent barman, it was an exercise he carried out with competence and integrity. Frank was possessed with a sense of humour, something which stood him in good stead in the day to day running of a business.
He was a born conversationalist and had a gift of communicating with people outside his own age.
On his days off he enjoyed being on the other side of the counter, having a quiet pint or two in one of the other bars in the town, just chatting to people on various topics. Frank was held in high esteem by everyone because of his many estimable qualities, foremost of which were his gentle disposition and kindly nature, his fine sense of neighbourliness and above all his unfailing practice of the Christian virtues.
He was a daily attender of the Holy Mass in St Michaels Church, Enniskillen. Frank was a very kind and unassuming man who was very generous with whatever little spare time he had. He was a regular visitor to patients in the hospital and who were very pleased to see him.
He had a very keen interest in Gaelic football, and went to most of the Fermanagh home games, and for years travelled to the away games in his little Morris Minor car, all over the country.
Removal of his remains took place from the Erne hospital to St Michaels Church Enniskillen on Monday evening where they were received into the church by Father Noel McGahen C.C.
Requiem mass on Tuesday morning was celebrated by Father McGahen. In his homily, he paid a glowing tribute to Frank on the very many fine qualities he possessed and of the good Christian life that he had lived. He expressed sincere sympathy to his sister Margaret and to his family circle.
The liturgical duties were carried out by his relatives and friends. The beautiful hymn singing by soloist Patricia Rogers, added a very meaningful touch to the sad occasion.
Internment followed later, a few miles out the road to St Nailles, Cemetery Kinawley.
The late Francis McManus is survived by his sister Margaret (Mrs Lee, Coragh, Derrylin) by his nieces, nephews and a large family circle of relatives.
