Well known Enniskillen man Sean Hoy will remembered as a “big family man” who derived great enjoyment out of spending time with his family as well as his love for sport.

A large congregation on Monday paid a fitting tribute to Sean as they sang along to “The Gambler” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at the end of the service which brought a smile to the faces of all the people there.

The service was described as a fitting way to say goodbye to the 63 year old.

Throughout his life Sean had many interests and ventures but his family was always number one, especially his grandchildren.

“He just loved doing things with the kids,” a spokesperson for the family said. “They knew as soon as they went in and saw grandad they were going to be well looked after. He was always messing and playing with them.”

As well as his family, Sean was a massive sports fan. Football, GAA, horse racing, darts, rugby and golf to name a few, Sean had an interest in them all and followed the exploits of many a team.

He travelled all over the world following the Republic of Ireland football team.

“That would have been something that would have been a big part of our family growing up with the success of them at that particular time.

“He was in Stuttgart for the 1-0 against England. At all the matches at the Euros, all the matches at the 1990 World Cup and the 1994 World Cup. We actually went to the ‘94 World Cup as a family.”

In recent years, horse racing was a massive interest while he also followed darts player Brendan Dolan.

Locally, Sean kept an interest in teams in football, GAA and rugby sponsoring Ballinamallard Football Club and Enniskillen Rugby Club with many from the clubs coming to pay their respects over the weekend.

“He was mad about sports. He was a familiar face at Ballinamallard football matches and Enniskillen Rugby Club. He was a massive GAA fan following Enniskillen Gaels and Fermanagh. He enjoyed seeing local people doing well.”

Sean would have been well known in various circles both socially and in business. He started the first taxi firm in Enniskillen, Speedy Cabs, with his brother Paul in the mid 80s before moving into a diverse range of businesses such as website sales business.

“He could sell snow to the Eskimos. He started a website business and he would hardly knew how to switch on a computer. It was just sales techniques and it didn’t matter what he was selling he would get it done.”

A character who will be missed by all his family and friends especially his wife Noreen, children Richard (Julie), Rachel (Declan) and Rebecca, grandchildren Daniel, Matthew, Emily, Shay and Sophie.

He was a loving son of Anna and the late Leo, dear brother of Paul, Mary, Rita and the late Geraldine.

Sean died peacefully at hospital in Omagh last Friday with his funeral, organised by W.T. Morrison Funeral Directors, taking place at Ballycassidy Funeral Home on Monday, August 12 followed by burial at Cross Cemetery.