Tributes have been paid to the late Ernest [Ernie] Beatty, a stalwart of Enniskillen Rugby Football Club, following his unexpected passing at home last week.

People from across the community gathered in full force on Saturday, August 25, at Mr. Beatty’s funeral held at Ballycassidy House Funeral Home to pay their respects and bid farewell. A large guard of honour took place at Enniskillen Rugby Club to honour Mr. Beatty on his final journey.

A spokesperson for Enniskillen Rugby Club led tributes to Ernie, saying: “He was ‘part of the furniture’ at Mullaghmeen. Living just across the road and having played there for years, he served the club in many capacities, including a two-year stint as President from 1999 to 2001.”

The Beatty family has a long-standing connection with the club and is highly regarded for its contributions. Following his death, tributes have focused on the “consistent kindness” that Mr. Beatty showed people over the years.

The club spokesperson continued: “In recent times, he maintained the grounds, on the tractor-mower whenever the weather allowed him, and he was also a member of ‘The Friday Club’, a group of retirees who look after and maintain the premises, without any thought of reward.”

“Behind the tough and gruff exterior was a man who was completely dedicated to Linda and his family, loyal and steadfast to his friends, as well as providing a ‘home from home’ for those coming to the club from abroad, particularly from New Zealand.”

The esteem in which the Beatty family is held was evident in those who travelled many miles to pay their respects to Ernie.

One former Enniskillen player, Clayton Crowther, who played at the club 20 years ago, made the 24-hour journey from New Zealand to be in Fermanagh for the funeral. Many have stayed in touch with the Beatty family since their time at Enniskillen.

Ernie was born on April 1, 1956, to William and Mary (Minnie) Beatty and grew up in Lisnahanna, Kilskeery, alongside his sister Colleen. After primary school in Kilskeery, he attended Gloucester House and then Portora Royal School, where he began a lifelong passion for rugby. He proved to be quite good at it and represented Ulster Schools and later Ulster Under-19s.

In addition to playing for Enniskillen, he had stints at Rainey Old Boys and in senior rugby with Armagh. In the late 1980s, he was proud to be one of the founding members of Cookstown RFC.

Detailing Mr. Beatty’s working life, a spokesperson said: “His first job was with the former West Ulster Farmers’ creamery in Irvinestown, followed by work as a linesman for the NIE, before joining the Royal Ulster Constabulary, initially as a part-time reserve. He soon became full-time and served for 30 years in various stations across the province, finishing in Irvinestown.”

“When in Pomeroy, he met Linda in 1977, and they married two years later, with Joan, Richard, and then Gareth joining them over the next eight years. More recently, three granddaughters have come along, on whom he doted. Only last month, they were all reunited for Gareth’s wedding, coming from New Zealand and the USA, creating what will now be treasured memories.”

Outside of rugby, Mr. Beatty was “a man of many talents,” the spokesperson added: “Ernie also loved quizzes, tug o’ war, gardening, growing organic vegetables, and cooking. Since 2008, he was Treasurer of the Fermanagh & Tyrone Ploughing Society.

“He was straight-talking and to the point. You knew where you stood with Ernie.”

Mr. Beatty was a constant presence at the club, and the spokesperson noted that he will be “sorely missed.”

“At 68, he has been taken much too early. At Enniskillen Rugby Club, his presence on the tractor during training, that unmistakable guttural roar from the sidelines, and the (usually) quieter advice in the clubhouse after the games at Mullaghmeen will be sorely missed.

“However, it is Linda and the family who are foremost in our thoughts. The rugby community will be there for them in the way that they were there for so many of the players over the years,” the spokesperson concluded.

Mr. Ernest Beatty's funeral took place on Saturday, August 25, at Ballycassidy House Funeral Home, followed by burial at Sydare Cemetery. Mr. Beatty is survived by his wife, Linda; his children: Joan [Al], Richard [Noreen], Gareth [Louise]; his grandchildren: Scarlett, Frankie, and Chloe; and his sister, Colleen.

Funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. Keith Elliott, W.T. Morrison Funeral Directors.