The sun cast a gentle light on rows of tractors, standing solemnly, side by side in Newtownbutler at the funeral of a man who was taken too soon - Mark Johnston, the heartbeat of his family.

His final journey home was not taken alone; it was accompanied by the reverent hum of engines and the steadfast presence of friends who, in tractors and silence, spoke of his impact.

One phrase has been repeated countless times over the past few days: "He was the nicest man you could meet".

These are the words of his heartbroken family, who paid tribute to a much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend and boyfriend to Jayne, with whom he had future plans in place to spend his life with.

"We are heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of Mark," a statement read. "He made lifelong friends with anyone who spent time with him, such was his infectious nature.  

"This was apparent to us on his final journey, where the streets of Newtownbutler were lined by his many friends."

Mr. Johnston tragically lost his life on Thursday, November 7 after being involved in a single vehicle collision on the Lisnaskea Road.

He was laid to rest at Galloon Parish Churchyard on Sunday following an emotional funeral service at Coragarry Free Presbyterian in Co. Monaghan. 

On the day, Mr. Johnston's lifelong involvement in agriculture was marked by 'tractor guards of honour'. 

This, the family said, was a touching send-off. 

"We were so touched by the tractor guards of honour formed in many locations which was kindly and thoughtfully organised by the local agricultural community and also by Magheraveely FC – his two great passions in life," the statement continued. 

"We would like to thank the whole community for all their love and support shown at this difficult time. The family are very humble and truly blessed by your show of kindness."

During the funerla service, Rev. Cartwright delivered a heartfelt tribute to Mr. Johnston. He spoke of a life well-lived, albeit unexpectedly cut short. 

"Mark was born July 2, 1996, to proud parents Willie and Valerie," Rev. Ivor Cartwright said. "Willie was so proud, and turning into a modern family man, he even took a few hours off to welcome his firstborn son, much to Granda Johnston's disgust!

"He lived the first six months of life as a townie, living in Newtownbutler before the family home was ready at 12 Galoon Road. He was a little blonde boy, with a big wide smile, who was eventually joined by four more little blonde boys with big wide smiles!

"Growing up, Mark was the typical big brother, where he liked to practice tough love.

"He enjoyed a happy childhood, spending time on the farm with his father, grandfather, uncles, and brothers. Holidays in Portrush were an annual event, although once he literally threw the dummy out the window."

Rev. Cartwright told mourners how Mr. Johnston attended Newtownbutler Primary School and Lisnaskea High School, before embarking on a career in farming. 

"After leaving school, he started working for his uncle and cousin, where he worked for nine years," Rev. Cartwright continued. "He described this as a full-time job keeping Richard right!

"Mark made lifelong friends with anyone who spent time with him, and work was no exception, such was his infectious nature. 

"This was apparent to family on Friday on his final journey home when the streets were lined by his many friends."

Aside from farming, Mr. Johnston was also passionate about football, both as a player and a supporter. 

"He was a talented footballer, in spite of looking like a rugby player," the Rev. said. "His passion was football, supporting Liverpool Football Club. Jayne mentioned how he was so happy when Liverpool won 4-0 on Tuesday night past. He knew he could torture his brothers with this result!

"He played for Lisnaskea Rovers and Magheraveely Football Club, but the best football matches were played on the family lawn with all of his brothers."

But, above all else, Mr. Johnston loved his partner, Jayne, whom he intended to spend his life with. 

"Mark met Jayne in June 2021 in Carrybridge, which is the same place where Willie met Valerie," Rev. Cartwright said. "They talked every day after that, and Jayne described him like an old man in a young man's shoes. 

"But what Jayne didn't realise was that he had grown up and matured drastically because of her."

He continued: "Jayne was the centre of Mark's world, and they dreamed of a future full of adventure together. Although that future has been cut short, they will be assured they will remain forever in her heart. 

"Jayne, please know that Mark loved you deeply, and that cannot be taken away."

Mr. Johnston was a dearly beloved son of William and Valerie, and a dear brother of Emma, Stuart, Matthew, Joshua, Benjamin, and the late Leah Boyfriend of Jayne, Grandson of Wesley and Edna Cartwright and Mavis and the late William Johnston.