The family of the late multi-talented Fermanagh musician Sean Maguire have paid tribute to a loving husband, father and grandfather who had a strong community focus and "lived for music".

Sean (84), late of Cornagrade, Enniskillen, passed away in hospital after a brief illness on Monday, January 31.

Originating from west Fermanagh, Sean came from a traditional upbringing of Irish culture and strong religious beliefs. He was a musician and a family man with a strong community focus.

“Our father lived for music, he would go literally anywhere if there was going to be some tunes and a few tall tales told," said Sean's daughter Caroline Phair, speaking on behalf of her family.

"He was generous with his time, especially when it came to music. If someone needed him to play, he was there. We used to laugh about him saying he was going off 'to play music for the old people' when in reality, many of them were younger than him!” she added.

The late musician Sean Maguire.

The late musician Sean Maguire.

Sean started playing music at the age of eight, and thus began his life-long love. He first performed on St. Patrick’s Day morning in 1948 and then played every St. Patrick’s Day for the next 70 years. He was one of the founding members of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.

A multi-talented musician Sean played banjo, fiddle, guitar and keyboard and was known for versing a song or two. He played traditional Irish, folk, skiffle and country music in pubs and bars all around Ulster.

Sean’s love for music was paramount throughout his life, still playing up until two weeks ago in the County Care Home - where he resided - and he always had a song or tune for anyone who wanted to listen.

“Even suffering from a stroke in 2010 couldn’t stop him, he switched to playing the keyboard, which he was able to do with just one hand and would often be found putting on a show at the County Care Home for all his fellow residents,” said Caroline.

Paying tribute to an "esteemed and dearest friend, and resident" on behalf of the management team, nurses, carers and entire staffing circle of the County Care Home, a spokesperson said: "We are very sad to say goodbye to Sean Maguire, our 'Piano Man'.

"Sean’s charm, wit and love for music made him such a distinguished character; many evenings Sean kindly entertained us and our residents, bringing many a smile to our face.

"We will remember Sean as an absolute gentleman who was, well-travelled and a brilliant entertainer; his eyes danced as he played his piano and as he spoke of his loving wife, intrinsic artwork, tractors, children and grandchildren - we shared many stories so lovingly."

Sean married Bridie Gilbride on November 16, 1964 and together they had six children; Paddy, Gerry, Caroline, Noel, Oliver and Damien.

The late Sean Maguire pictured with his wife Bridie on their wedding day.

The late Sean Maguire pictured with his wife Bridie on their wedding day.

"He used to say: 'Five boys and each one had a sister'," recalled his family.

Sean worked driving lorries and finished his long career with the Water Service

Always up for a joke, story or yarn, Sean lived by the motto, “never let the truth get in the way of a good story”.

Local folklore and traditions were always close to his heart and he took great pride in his membership of the Aughakillymaude Mummers, relishing in sharing the groups unique folk traditions both at home and abroad.

“He took enormous pride in being part of the Aughakillymaude Mummers and believed it was important to preserve those ancient traditions for the younger generations,” said Caroline.

A spokesperson for Aughakillymaude Community Association paid tribute to Sean: "Sean was a long standing and valued member of the Aughakillymaude Community Mummers where he was the lead musician, singer and entertainer.

"His delight was to get out to Aughakillymaude Community Centre for the monthly music session where he stole the show with his music and jokes, he will be sadly missed by all of our community, we extend our deepest sympathy to Bridie his wife and all the family."

Sean was very active in the community and the church. He served as the Chairman of Arthritis Care and could often be found collecting for the charity in the centre of Enniskillen.

Sean's funeral was arranged by John McKeegan Funeral Undertaker and took place at St. Michael's Church, Enniskillen on February 3.

The late Sean Maguire pictured with his wife Bridie.

The late Sean Maguire pictured with his wife Bridie.

Dearly loved husband of Bridie, much-loved father of Paddy, Gerry (Julie), Caroline (Clive), Noel (Erica), Ollie (Samantha) and Damien (Emily). Loved and cherished grandfather to Matt (Nicola), Martin (Kim), Jack, Ross, Daniel, Molly, Hughie and Faye. Great grandchildren Lyla, Oscar and Ellie. Dear brother of Eileen Cox, Patricia Farry and Margaret Lilly, Sean is deeply missed by all his loving family, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours.

Finally in his own words, “it's John Thomas Maguire, lovely blue eyes, five-foot two big man”.