Ryan McGovern (7) who tragically died on Sunday.
THE GARRISON area has been left in a state of shock after a tragic accident which claimed the life of a seven year old boy just days before Christmas.
Ryan McGovern, pictured left, died as a result of a one vehicle road accident on Sunday afternoon, at approximately 1pm. The incident took place on the Lattone Road, between the villages of Belcoo and Garrison.
The Fermanagh Herald understands, Ryan was hit by a van which was reversing at a house on the same road while Ryan, his father and brothers were attending sheep at the time.
He was taken to the South West Acute Hospital, via ambulance and police escort but was later pronounced dead.
The main Garrison to Belcoo road remained closed for a time on Sunday, while the Police carried out investigations.
The McGovern family were well-know in the area, as result of their involvement in the Devenish GAA club and within the farming community.
Sinn Féin Councillor Anthony Feely has expressed deepest sympathies to the McGovern family, following the tragic death of their son Ryan.
The news has also affected the Feely family deeply, as Anthony went on to say, “My son was in the same class as Ryan and therefore I can’t begin to imagine what Michelle and Donal, as well as Ryan’s brothers Daniel and Ben and the extended McCafferty and McGovern families are going through.
“Myself speaking as a parent, for something like this is especially sad at Christmas, when children are so excited about Santa and at a time when families come together. Words can not describe how everyone is feeling.
Speaking on behalf on the entire community Cllr Feely said, “A black cloud hangs over the area at this time, but the entire community will rally round to support the family and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”
Michael Gilroy paid tribute to the young boy who was described as ‘lively’ and ‘full of life’.
He said, “His death has really put a stop to Christmas here in the area. – He was involved in the Lough Melvin Angling club and attended the summer camps. He was lively and had a real get up and go attitude. He was involved in fishing, football, rugby and boxing – he was very active.
“It’s just terrible news for the whole community and we are thinking of them at this time.”
Devenish GAA club in statement sent their condolences to the McGovern family, saying, “Ryan started playing his football with Devenish at Gaelic Start before moving on to underage level where most recently he lined out for our U8 team.
“Ryan will be fondly remembered by his teammates and coaches as a tigerish and fully committed forward who gave his all for his team.
“Our thoughts and prayers today and in the days ahead are very much with all the families involved in this tragedy and with all in our community at this difficult time.”
In a statement, Principal of St Martin’s PS, Garrison, Mr Brian McGrath, extended his deep and sincere sympathy on behalf of all staff, governors and pupils to the McGovern family on the tragic loss of their beloved son Ryan, who was a P3 pupil at the school.
He said, “Ryan, lived his life in school with great joy and will be greatly missed by his many friends and pupils at the school. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McGovern family at this sad time.”
Country music star Nathan Carter paid his sympathies, posting a tribute to Ryan on Facebook saying, “I’m so saddened to hear of the passing of young Ryan McGovern.
Young Ryan was up on stage singing with me at my show in Enniskillen only recently. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families at this awful time.”
Ryan McGovern’s funeral is due to take place on Wednesday morning in St Patrick’s Church, Garrison.
The Police have appealed for information following the accident.
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