An Enniskillen man who died while on holiday in Thailand was a "genuine guy who would look out for you", mourners have heard. 

Damien Melarkey, of Derrin Park, Enniskillen, passed away unexpectedly while on holiday in Thailand earlier this month. 

On Monday, Mourners gathered at St Michael's Church, Enniskillen, gathered to pay their final respects. 

Parish Priest, Monsignor Peter O'Reilly, described Mr. Melarkey as a "genuine guy". 

"Damian was a genuine guy who would look out for you, and do the right thing by you," he said. 

"His friends were like family to him. Blessed are the peacemakers, and he was one of these.

"He was good company and someone you would go on holiday with."

Mr. Melarkey had spent the previous four weeks in Thailand, which was a place "he loved". 

He sadly passed away a day before he was set to fly home for his nephew's birthday party. 

Monsignor O'Reilly said the late Enniskillen man often visited Thailand, and that it was a place he regarded as "paradise".

"In latter days, he worked and saved, and would go on holidays to Thailand often," Monsignor O'Reilly said. 

"It was sea, sand and natural beauty. Waking up in paradise every morning. 

The 49-year-old had worked at Mannock in Derrylin as forklift driver for over 10 years, where he earned money for his beloved trips. 

"In some ways, it seems right that it was his last staging post for his final journey," Monsignor O'Reilly continued.

"A stepping stone to eternity, Thailand was halfway there for him. A paradise on earth. A beautiful place."

Mr. Melarkey was a dear son of Bridie (nee Montgomery) and the late Kevin RIP and loving brother of Brian, Anne (Brendan McEvoy) and Margaret (Nerijus), and beloved uncle to Sean and Cormac.

A Funeral Times notice added that he was, "regretted by his sorrowing mother, sisters, brother, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, uncles, aunts, nephews, cousins and extended family circle."