Beloved Enniskillen man Brendan was always ready to help

Whether it was for his family, friends, neighbours at Derrin Road, or those he served during his 17 years as a postman, Brendan approached everything with humility, respect, and care.

His sudden passing last Friday, August 30, shocked the community.

On the following Tuesday, those whose lives he had touched came together to help him reach his final resting place.

Brendan was born and lived his entire life at Derrin Road, where he became deeply connected to his neighbours.

His sister, Bernadette, noted: “His neighbours in Derrin Road had become like a second family to Brendan, there for one another throughout the years.

"He was well known for helping out, lending tools, cutting grass, and doing DIY jobs, to name just a few.”

Brendan forged many friendships through his work, first at Unipork and later at the post office, which he joined in his early twenties.

His mother, Mary, was proud of his stable job, and Brendan became well-liked by the people he delivered post to, especially in the rural areas around Tempo.

Starting his rounds at 5am, Brendan often went above and beyond, bringing elderly residents milk or newspapers along with their post.

Bernadette recalled: “It was common for some elderly ladies to have a cooked breakfast ready for him when he arrived at their homes.

"He would even drop off essentials, knowing some had no other way to get to the shop themselves.”

Brendan spent 17 years in the post office, making lifelong friends along the way. Some of his former colleagues even wore their post office uniforms to his funeral as a tribute.

Bernadette noted: “They have never forgotten working with him, and the fun and laughs they had throughout those years.”

After leaving the post office, Brendan explored different jobs, including becoming a chef and taking up painting and decorating.

He continued to use these skills to help his friends and neighbours.

Brendan also spent time with his friend John, from The Impartial Reporter, assisting with photography for articles.

His friends John and Tony from The Impartial Reporter, along with close friends Brian, Paul, Hubie, Hammie, John, and his Derrin Road neighbours, all played a part in his funeral service.

Brendan also formed a strong bond with Mui’s family (his brother John’s wife).

While working at a Chinese restaurant owned by Mui’s family, Brendan became close to Mui’s father, and learned the secret recipe for his famous Chinese curry sauce.

He would make large batches and was always asked to include it in gatherings.

He even shared it with his neighbours, saying, “Here, make yourself a nice chicken curry for your tea.”

Later in life, Brendan found his true calling in the undertaking business, a job he had long admired.

His friend Brian, with whom he worked at the post office, said: “Whenever Brendan saw a funeral procession, he would comment that he would love to do a job like that.”

Eventually, Brendan joined Paul and Mary Keenan’s Undertaking Business (Enda Love), where he excelled.

Bernadette explained: “With his kind and gentle personality, and having a great respect for families in times of grief, he was simply cut out for the role.

"It’s just such a shame that he hadn’t found his vocation earlier.”

Brendan’s family is immensely proud of the dignity and respect he brought to his job.

Bernadette shared: “Paul would tell you that Brendan went over and above in everything he did, often answering with, ‘That’s already done’, or ‘That’s being looked after’, when asked if certain tasks had been completed.

"Sometimes all it took was a simple nod for Brendan to spring into action during funeral services.”

Brendan’s work in the undertaking business earned him the admiration of other undertakers in the town and surrounding Fermanagh areas, who also spoke highly of him.

His family heard many times that “he went over and above” - a testament to Brendan’s dedication.

Beyond work, Brendan was known for his social life and the many stories shared by his friends about nights out in Enniskillen.

Bernadette fondly recalled: “Brendan was so well known in Derrin Road and in the town of Enniskillen that it took doubly long to do things!

"Whether out grocery shopping, working in the garden, helping out a neighbour, or driving down the road, someone would always stop him for a chat.

"It must have taken him two hours to buy a loaf of bread and a pint of milk.”

Some 13 years ago, Brendan found love when he met his fiancée, Charlotte. Bernadette described Brendan as incredibly kind to Charlotte and her family, saying: “They would say that he was so good to them, that at times he was just too good.”

Charlotte’s family provided invaluable support during Brendan’s wake, and his family couldn’t have coped without them.

Family was central to Brendan’s life. He was very close to his sisters, Geraldine and Bernadette, and his brother, John.

He never let a day go by without checking in on them. Bernadette noted: “He couldn’t settle until he knew everything was okay.

"He kept us abreast of all that was happening in Enniskillen, and was always thinking of his family.”

With a job he loved and a partner he cherished, Brendan’s life felt complete.

“It’s just too sad that it has been cut short at the age of 56,” Bernadette lamented.

“We will all miss Brendan so very much, including his Derrin Road family, who have been a massive support.

"The lovely memories of this soft and gentle man with the biggest heart in the world, and knowing that he is now at peace with his late family, will help carry us through the sad and difficult times ahead.”

Brendan was laid to rest with a service conducted by Monsignor Peter O’Reilly PP VG, accompanied by his favourite song, Leonard Cohen’s 'Hallelujah'.

He is survived by his sisters, Geraldine (Deans RIP), and Bernadette (Marty), his brother John (Mui), Auntie Teresa, cousins Paula (Frank), Monica, Sharon, and the Cuerden family in Manchester.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Enda Love & Sons.