Fermanagh obituary: Mr. Noel Farry

Noel was born on December 23, 1952 in Enniskillen, and grew up in the townland of Carran West Garrison.

Noel attended school in Devenish No2 Primary School, St. Mary's Brollagh, and Enniskillen Technical College, Enniskillen.

He then trained as a teacher in St. Joseph's Teacher Training College in Belfast, graduating in 1976, and later in his career he graduated with a Masters Degree in 1999.

After graduation, Noel taught Business Studies in Newry College of Further Education for a number of years before he decided to broaden his horizons and enter the commercial world.

He travelled to the Middle East where he worked as a Recruitment Consultant for Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, in Saudi Arabia, in tandem with his duties as a Human Resources Officer.

Noel returned to Ireland in 1988 when he married the former Miss Anna McCarthy from Ballymacnab, County Armagh.

Noel and Anna settled in Newry and were soon blessed by their two children, Clare and Sean.

At this time, Noel entered primary school teaching when he joined the staff of St. Malachy's Primary School, Newry, while Anna continued in her role as vice-principal, Foley PS, Ballymacnab.

Following 10 years in Newry, the family moved to Glen Court, Armagh, 21 years ago.

Noel continued to teach in Newry while Anna took early retirement from the teaching profession.

Although Noel retired from teaching in St. Malachy's PS Newry, seven years ago, he certainly didn't retire fully from teaching, as he began a very successful home tuition service, with hundreds of pupils and families in the Armagh area benefitting from his top-class tuition work over the years.

In addition to an extensive tuition role in the Armagh area, Noel also ran a tuition class in Enniskillen for over 20 years. Apart from his extraordinary commitment to teaching, Noel had particular interests in sport and music.

Noel was one of the founder members of the Cashel United Soccer Club, whom he played with for several years in the early 1970s throughout Fermanagh, Leitrim and Sligo.

The two GAA clubs close to his heart were his beloved Devenish GAA and his adopted GAA club, Armagh Harps.

He was particularly delighted when his son Sean Farry lined out on both the Armagh Harps winning Senior Championship team of 2017 and last year's wonderful success in the Senior League Final.

Noel was also a fine singer and accomplished drummer and cherished the six years he played in local bands Toledo and Amarillo, alongside his brother John between 1976 and 1982.

He also played a solo act as a guitarist and singer between 1995 and 2000.

Although Noel was committed to the academic life, his spiritual life was vitally important to him.

He was a weekly participant at Mass and Holy Communion in St. Patrick's Cathedral and a fervent supporter of the church.

During their teaching careers, Anna and Noel prepared hundreds of pupils for First Confession, First Holy Communion and Confirmation respectively.

Noel always stated that the most important subject he ever taught was Religion.

Spiritually he was highly motivated by the prayers, sacramental practice and the passing on of the faith that he received from his parents and religious advisers over the years.

Noel was laid to rest on Wednesday, March 29 in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Armagh, following a funeral Mass in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh.

The Farry family would like to sincerely thank the many relatives friends and neighbours who attended the wake and funeral Mass, sent messages of condolence to the family at this sad time. Special thanks to Fr Peter McAnenly who said the funeral Mass and sincere thanks also to Fr Brian D'Arcy for his attendance at the wake.

Very deeply regretted by his loving wife Anna, children Clare and Sean, brothers Enda, Gerry (Rena), John (Anne) and sisters Marie (Hugh), Patricia (Hugh) and Pauline (Anthony), nieces, nephews and friends.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for him, Saint Pio, pray for him.