A heartfelt guard of honour was observed at St. Patrick's Church in Donagh as mourners gathered to pay their final respects to Daniel Lavelle on Tuesday.

The Lisnaskea man tragically died in a two-vehicle road traffic collision on the Crom Road almost a week before.

The father-of-five was laid to rest on Tuesday, where a collective guard of honour captured the extent of Mr. Lavelle's involvement as a coach, sportsman and supporter within his local community.

Organisations included Maguiresbridge St. Mary's GFC; Lisbellaw United FC; St Patrick's GFC, Donagh; St Kevin's College, Lisnaskea; and Bunscoil an Traonaigh; and The Dan Morris Bhoys of Erne Celtic Supporters Club. 

"We saw, outside, the guard of honour for someone who was obviously a great sportsperson", Fr. Pearse Mullen told mourners.

"Running; to run the race, we hear that phrase very often. The medals; they speak a little of achievements.

"Coaching; what a great gift. The young people who came to know Daniel will be able to take on board some of the skills, and not just footballing, but the personal skills, needed for all of us in life, but especially our young people.

"Well done Daniel for all you have done for the young people."

On the altar of St. Patrick's Church, family members placed items of significance to the late Mr. Lavelle.

Items included St. Mary's and Lisbellaw FC Jerseys, representing his deep connection to these clubs; a family portrait drawn by his daughter, Laoise; and a trowel, symbolising his work as a bricklayer.

Fr. Mullen told mourners that Mr. Lavelle was born in Belfast in 1983. He later attended St. Joseph's Primary and St. Michael's, Enniskillen when the family moved to Fermanagh.

Upon leaving school, he then enrolled as an apprentice builder.

"As a bricklayer, Daniel travelled far and wide to England, Scotland and Australia," Fr. Mullen continued. "Many spoke of his great pride in his work and how he was respected.

"He was a hard-working gentleman and he didn't suffer fools easily; but his workmates reported he would have given you the bit out of his mouth."

Fr. Mullen concluded: "No doubt there is hurt, there is grief, and there are questions.

“This is a reminder that God is not here to stop the tragedy from happening, as much as we might like that. But he is here to help us climb out of the dark of this deep valley, even when our world is falling to pieces around us."

Mr. Lavelle was a beloved son of Michael and Mary, a dearly loved husband of Eilish (née Rice) and loving father to Jacob, Michaela, Laoise, Clíodhna and Domhnall Óg.

He was a dear brother of Emmet (Josie), Michael, Michelle (Mickey), Barry (Geraldine), Majella (Stuart), Maria (Paul) and Emma (Ryan).