THE heartbroken family of the Belcoo student tragically killed in a one-vehicle road traffic collision in Fermanagh at the weekend have spoken of how his “deliciously wicked smile” will be forever missed by all who knew him.

Anthony Mulvey (21), from Templeneaffrin, Belcoo, died after the light-green Peugeot 306 he was driving left the Sligo Road, near the townland of Mullaghdun, at some time between 12.20pm and 12.45pm on Sunday afternoon.

The Queen’s University, Belfast pharmacy student was laid to rest at St Hugh’s Cemetery in Ballinaglera, county Leitrim yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, following a funeral Mass held in St Patrick’s Church, Killinagh, Blacklion.

A former pupil of St Michael’s College in Enniskillen, he is survived by parents Tony and Ann, older brother Patrick (25), a physics student also studying at Queen’s University, and younger brother, 14-year-old Matthew.

A statement released on behalf of his family yesterday said that the turnout at his wake “spoke volumes” about the kind of young man that he was.

“He has been described as a “real gentleman” on social media, but it is the personal testimony of his friends and family that reveal the real Anthony. Anyone who knew him well will attest to his generosity of spirit, his selfless love for those around him and his appetite for life,” it said.

Remembered as a very relaxed young man “who was paradoxically very driven”, the popular student managed to balance a high-achieving academic career with a vibrant social life. A music lover who had an eclectic taste, he was equally comfortable listening to Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Ed Sheerin or Marty Moane.

The young Belcoo man had a wide circle of friends and enjoyed frequent nights out. He travelled to the Oxegen music festival over the last two years with a group of fellow revellers, including his long-term girlfriend, Gemma Maguire.

“Anthony will be remembered as a devoted boyfriend who was always there to escort Gemma home from late shifts in Belfast’s City Hospital and enjoyed many nights out together in their wider social group as well as more personal and romantic dates,” the statement said.

A talented sportsman, Anthony played Gaelic football for his local club, Belcoo O’Rahilly’s, and was at one time part of the Fermanagh County Minor Development Squad.

At school, Anthony loved sciences but also enjoyed modern languages, especially German. However, it was in pharmacy that Anthony excelled, having won important bursaries in QUB by coming first and joint first in his year group over the last two years.

Having worked part-time at Dunnes Stores in Enniskillen for the last four years, he will be sadly missed by both colleagues and customers alike.

Describing him as a “true family man”, the statement said: “His love for his parents, brothers, the wider Mulvey and Warnock families is apparent in the way that he travelled back to his native Fermanagh at every opportunity to spend his precious free time with his parents, brothers and cousins.”

It added: “Anthony had a deliciously wicked smile that will be forever missed by all who knew him.”

Social networking websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, were awash with poignant tributes to the student at the weekend as news of his untimely death spread.

Among the many organisations to extend their sympathies to his family were the Oisin McGrath Foundation, Queen’s University Students’ Union and Belcoo O’Rahilly’s GFC.

The message from the Oisin McGrath Foundation read: “There are just no words to say how devastated we are for the Mulvey and Warnock families on the tragic and sudden loss of Anthony. We send all our love, prayers and support especially to his parents Ann and Anthony and his brothers Patrick and Matthew. Thinking also of all Anthony’s young friends and all our young people at this devastating time. Another bright star gone much too soon.“

In a Facebook post, Queen’s University Students’ Union said it was “deeply saddened” to hear of the death and added: “We’re here to offer support to all those affected and would encourage any student who is struggling to come to terms with what has happened and would like to talk to someone to contact the Queen’s Counselling service.”

Meanwhile, police investigating the collision are appealing for anyone who was travelling on the Sligo Road at between 12.20pm and 12.45pm on Sunday afternoon and who noticed the green Peugeot car to contact Enniskillen on 101.