THE mother of 19-year-old Owen Muldoon who was found dead at his home in Drumhoney, Lisnarick, on Monday has paid tribute to her "most caring and loving son." The teenager, whose death has shocked and saddened the local community, will be laid to rest today (Thursday) following Requiem Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Irvinestown.

Owen's death comes four years after the tragic death of his grandfather, retired businessman, Terence Muldoon, who died in a farming accident at his home in Drumarkey.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter yesterday (Wednesday) on the eve of her son's funeral, Owen's mother Chrissie paid a moving tribute to her beloved boy and spoke of her shock.

"Nobody had any warning at all. He was perfectly fine, he was out with his friends that night. It was just one of those things. Whatever happened, we will never know," she said.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland is not treating his death as suspicious.

Owen died on Sunday night while his parents were at Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo.

"We came back on Monday and got him that evening," said Mrs Muldoon.

A former pupil of St. Paul's Primary School and St. Mary's College in Irvinestown, Owen had studied joinery for two years and was in his third year apprenticeship at the Skills Centre in Enniskillen. He also helped to build sheds at the family business at Drumhoney.

"He was a great wee fella, no trouble, just worked away," said his mother.

The young man who "had a large group of friends" enjoyed socialising and spending time with his family, including his younger brothers.

"There are six children; with four older ones, and he was the baby of the four older ones. He used to look after the younger ones. He got on well with them. If we were ever away he would have looked after them. He was really a great brother; it is a close-knit family. He lost his grandfather and my mother died last year. It has been a trying time, a trying time for everybody," she said.

"The family is devastated by this. Owen will be sadly missed," added Mrs Muldoon, who described her son as "caring and loving." Owen was also a very active and dedicated member of Irvinestown Youth Club since he left primary school. He participated in all aspects of the club Programme in the Bawnacre Centre including a variety of young adult development and senior member courses organised by the Western Education and Library Board's Youth Service. � In a statement from Irvinestown Youth Club, a spokesperson said: "Owen has been�fondly remembered this week by club members and staff as a�very enthusiastic and lively member, always very courteous and helpful with numerous tasks in the Bawnacre. As a mark of respect club activities have been suspended for Thursday of this week." Erne North Councillor Raymond Farrell described Owen's death as "an awful shock." "I know from speaking with people who knew this fine young man that there is a profound sense of loss. He touched so many lives in a real and meaningful way and that is what makes our grief so deep," he said.

Councillor Farrell added: "I know that many people in their own personal way feel the pain which the Muldoon family are experiencing at this time. I pray, as do many, that they will know God's strength at this time." On the Irvinestown GAA Facebook page, a spokesperson for the club wrote: "Thoughts and prayers from all at the club are with the Muldoon family at this awful sad time." Brenda Mc Fadden wrote on the social-networking website: "So sad. He was here in our house many a time and was the life and soul of the party." Deirdre Martin wrote: "Please hold the family and friends of Owen Muldoon in your thoughts." Owen is survived by his mother Chrissie, father Terry, brothers, sisters, Granny Agnes, brother-in-law Niall, sisters-in-law, Fiona and Carla, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Owen's remains will leave the family home at Drumhoney at 10.30am for 11am Requiem Mass today, with interment immediately afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. The funeral service will be carried out by Jim Barnet Funeral Director, Mill Street, Irvinestown.