Aughakillymaude's elder stateman dies

Lily Dane • Published 19 Jan 2012 13:00 0 Comments

A widely respected local historian and writer, Packie Gilleece, a well-known member of the community in the Aughakillymaude and Derrylin area, where he was seen as an 'elder statesman' passed away on Tuesday, January 17, at the Graan Abbey Nursing Home, Enniskillen, following a short stay there. He was 85.

Packie, a highly regarded figure throughout South Fermanagh and border counties, due to his interest in local history, wrote a history of Aughakillymaude, focusing on the old Aughakillymaude school. Entitled Aughakillymaude A School and its community, the title was launched on October 1, 2004 in the Aughakillymaude Centre. (The occasion marked a double milestone for Aughakillymaude National School as on that day it was the 116th anniversary of the listed school building and also the long awaited publication of the school's history from 1888 to 1976.)

Aughakillymaude Historical Society was his passion and this was reflected in his title, which was not only a publication of the school but a history of the area. Packie went to the Aughakillymaude School and was actively involved in its development.

Presently he had been working on another book, a history of Derrylin and had made significant progress, but unfortunately he had been unable to complete it owing to failing health.

Packie was a member of Aughakillymaude Community Association from 1988 (the year it was formed). The current Chairman is Brian McManus who yesterday, Wednesday, was among those to pay tribute to Packie. "He was a very faithful and dedicated member of the community association," said Brian, who added that he "made a significant contribution to the community and the area."

As well as his book launch in 2004, Brian also described 2007 as a significant year for Packie, when he presented his book to President McAleese during her visit to Aughakillymaude. In addition, Packie launched the new extension of the Mummers' Centre on March 29, 2007.

In 1996, he was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree achieved through the Open University.

Packie's removal will take place from his home at Tiraroe, Derrylin, today, Thursday, to St. Ninnidh's Church, Derrylin, for 7pm. The funeral will take place at the church at 11am tomorrow, Friday. Pat Blake, of Derrylin, is looking after the funeral arrangements.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 19 Jan 12

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