THE mother of the 28-year-old Garrison man who died after he was pulled from the River Erne near Belleek last week has paid tribute to the community for lifting her family up at a time of great loss.
Police along with other emergency services including the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance Service attended the scene last Thursday (April 5).
Mr. Flanagan’s body was recovered from water in the Belleek area. He was taken to South West Acute Hospital where he later died.
Members of Devenish St Mary’s GAA Club, which he played for in his younger years, formed a Guard of Honour outside the Mary Queen of Peace Church Garrison on Monday for his funeral.
Describing her son as a “charming, charismatic and caring” man, Sadie Flanagan said she had been overwhelmed by the support of the community in the wake of his untimely death.
“We are so grateful for all the support from the community, we would never have got through this only for them,” she told the Impartial Reporter.
“The church was packed - I couldn’t believe it when I saw it.”
A history graduate, Mr. Flanagan’s true passion was travelling.
In his all too short life he had visited countries across Europe as well as South Korea, Canada and the USA.
His past times included fishing, darts, GAA and soccer, having played on many teams including Devenish St Mary’s, Halifax Gaels and Seoul Gaels.
According to Mrs. Flanagan, members of Halifax Gaels made contact with the family to express their own condolences and sadness at the news of her son’s death.
“Michael was a man for all ages - he was a warm, caring and loving son and friend to all,” said his mother.