The mother of Fermanagh footballer Michael McGovern has passed away after a battle with cancer.

Carmel McGovern died peacefully at her home on the Irvinestown Road yesterday (Wednesday). She is survived by her husband Terry and her five children: Michael, Joseph, Áine, Briege and Catherine.

A highly regarded cardiac nurse at South West Acute Hospital, Mrs. McGovern attended the Northern Ireland v Germany European Football Championship match in France last June, where her son Michael displayed his goal-keeping skills on a world stage.

Michael McGovern plays for Northern Ireland and Norwich City.

She attended a number of sports awards ceremonies this year where Michael was nominated, including The Impartial Reporter Celebration of Sport in the Lough Erne Resort.

Enniskillen Town United, where Michael and Joseph first took up soccer, paid tribute to Mrs. McGovern, stating: "All at the club were shocked and saddened to learn of the death, after a lengthy illness, of Carmel McGovern - mother of former “Town” players Michael and Joe. The Club extends deepest sympathy to them, their father Terry, sisters Aine, Katherine and Breige and family circle. May she rest in peace."

The McGovern home is strictly private.

Mrs McGovern’s remains will leave her home on Saturday morning at 10.15am to arrive at St. Michael's Church, Darling Street, Enniskillen for 11am mass, with burial afterwards in Cross Cemetery.