Mr. Daniel (Dan) McManus
Editorial Department • Published 18 Oct 2012 09:30
0 Comments
Dan McManus, of Drumkeen, Culkey, Enniskillen, passed away on September 25. Dan was born in Holywell in Belcoo, one of 12 children. He spent his early years at Belcoo and Corryglass primary schools. In the early 1940s, his parents moved to Enniskillen and bought the farm at Drumkeen. The McManus's farmed cattle and grew crops selling them to shops and homes in Enniskillen.
In the mid 1950s, Dan met Fanchea McCusker from Foxwood, Lisbellaw, and they began a long and happy life together. In 1957, they moved to London and on June 13, 1959 they were married. Dan enjoyed all aspects of life in London, frequenting speakers' corner and numerous sporting events. They then decided to return to Enniskillen to the farm in Drumkeen with their daughter Gemma and Donal was born soon after.
It was a busy time but he enjoyed the support of good neighbours at Drumkeen who helped him throughout the year. Dan ceilidhed with neighbours and friends and shared many stories as he had a great memory. However, he never forgot his roots in the Holywell area at Belcoo and attended local events such as the "Blessing of the Graves" and "15th August Sports Day." He continued to farm until he retired in the late 1990s.
Aside from farming, Dan enjoyed a wide number of sporting interests including watching horse racing, soccer and GAA, in particular following Fermanagh and Enniskillen Gaels. He was a member of the Enniskillen Flute Band and he travelled and played at many events. Dan was always at his happiest meeting and chatting with people, in their homes, at mass, in the mart or in the shopping centre car parks around the town. He was also a Pioneer for over 50 years. Whilst a keen reader on history and current affairs, in recent years he particularly enjoyed supporting the work of the late Johnny McKeagney on his book, "The Auld Ago."
Dan preserved strong links with his wider family circle, friends and neighbours and will be remembered for his unhurried, calm approach and humility and for the generous giving of his time and conversation to all. He leaves behind his wife Fanchea, daughter Gemma (Tom), son Donal (Barbara), grandchildren Eamon, Emily, Olivia and Donal, his sisters Brenda, Sr. Mary Ignatius, Mary, Philomena and brother Paddy as well as a wide family circle. He was predeceased by his brothers Eugene, Michael, John, Hugh and sisters Cissie and Nora. The funeral arrangements were by John McKeegan.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 18 Oct 12
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
