A well-known and highly regarded member of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Nial Hamilton, a much-loved husband and father of two from Enniskillen, passed away on February 10, 2014, aged 44 years. The popular firefighter, who died suddenly while on duty in Lurgan, had previously led an active life and his unexpected passing has come as a tremendous shock to his family, colleagues and friends.

Nial was born at home at Drumgallon, Enniskillen, on July 22, 1969, the only son of Eric and Vera Hamilton, who also have three daughters Pamela, Avril and Jennifer.

He was educated at Jones Memorial Primary School and Portora Royal School and he subsequently completed a course at Fermanagh College for a year.

He was a keen sportsman and he enjoyed playing rugby and football. He had been an avid Spurs fan and Ireland rugby supporter throughout his life and he delighted in attending matches, including the Ulster Rugby games.

An early interest had been his membership of Rossorry Scout Group.

At the age of 18, Nial joined the part-time Fire Service in Enniskillen; at the same time he also worked in McCutcheon’s Maxol Filling Station.

When he was 20, Nial attained a full-time position in the NIFRS and he completed 24 years’ service. He loved the Fire Service and he held his colleagues in high esteem. He was loved and respected by all of his colleagues which was evident by the huge turn-out at his funeral.

His work with the NIFRS, included that at Knock, firstly on Green Watch, and at Lurgan with White Watch. Three years were spent on secondment with the Road Rescue Team, Omagh, and latterly he had been in Lurgan.

Nial travelled to New York after the 9/11 bombings to pay his respects to deceased firefighters and he stayed in Harlem Fire Station.

He received a number of medals for his NIFRS work, including the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals and a Long Service Medal for 20 years’ service. In 2003, Nial competed in The Weakest Link quiz show, hosted by Anne Robinson and his family recalls he gave Anne ‘a run for her money’.

He married Ruth (formerly Gabbie from Comber) on May 27, 2006, at Trory Parish Church and they went on to have two sons, Alex, six, and Rory, four.

Having made their home in Fermanagh, they initially lived at Jubilee Hill, and more recently at Rossole Road, Enniskillen.

In recent years, as well as devoting his time to his young family and his job, he developed a keen interest in running and dancing. In 2012, he completed in the ‘Not So Strictly Come Dancing’ competition, in aid of the Westville Family Resource Centre, Enniskillen, through which he made many friends.

A keen 10K runner, he ran the Enniskillen 10K on a number of occasions. His interest in sport also saw him play rugby for the Fire Service and also Civil Service Rugby Club in Belfast.

In television appearances in more recent years, Nial featured in a TV Road Safety Campaign as one of the firefighters.

A very outgoing figure, he was very sociable and he enjoyed a very close circle of friends, which included his former school friends.

His funeral service at St. Michael’s Church, Trory - where Nial was married and also where his children were baptised - was conducted by the Rector, the Rev. Mark Watson, who gave the address. It was a full Fire Service funeral and in attendance were hundreds of Nial’s colleagues, as well as personnel from the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Fellow firefighter Liam Hanna said the Firefighter’s Prayer and John Denver, Southern Area Commander, delivered the Eulogy.

Burial was at Trory Parish Churchyard.

Nial is survived by his wife Ruth, sons Alex and Rory, parents Eric and Vera Hamilton and his sisters Pamela, Avril and Jenny, the wider family circle and his many friends.

His family is very appreciative of the support of everyone at this time.

They are very thankful to the Fire Service, which they say has been like ‘one big family’.

They are also very appreciative of the backing of all Nial’s friends and describe the support received from all as amazing.

The funeral arrangements were by funeral director, Austen Stinson, W.T. Morrison, Enniskillen.