Tribute has been paid to Claude Noel Maguire from Irvinestown who passed away peacefully on Monday, August 10 2020, aged 85 years.

Claude was an articulate, learned man with an immense breadth of knowledge, a zest for life and a unique and engaging sense of humour.

Claude’s son Austin describes his father as “a family man at heart who loved people, loved life, loved to laugh and could hold court on almost any topic of conversation.”

One of life’s great conversationalists, Claude was often to be found commanding centre stage with his sharp wit, wisdom and wealth of stories.

“It was very fitting that we heard so many of those stories back through the wake and in the days that followed,” continued Austin. “There were many that even we were unaware of, yet they all embodied dad’s mischievous, impish humour.”

Born in 1934 into a family of six boys and four girls, “Big Claude”, as he became affectionately known, was to make his mark in GAA, business and ProAm Golf.

He collected his first junior championship medal with his Lack club at just 16, before successfully captaining the team to both the Fermanagh Junior Cup and Junior championship again in 1961.

The following year, Claude captained the Ederney senior team to their first Fermanagh Intermediate championship title, repeating the success again in 1966 before retiring from the game.

Austin recalls some of the many tributes to his father’s game on social media “a great midfielder and a joy to watch; a formidable opponent; a leader of men: It’s hugely comforting to read these comments and that’s how we’ll remember my father on the pitch.”

In later years, Claude turned his sporting skills to golf and was subsequently elected Bundoran Men’s Golf Captain in 1993, with the club flag flying at half mast in honour of his standing at his passing.

“That was an incredibly poignant and befitting gesture,” added Austin.

“My father would have been marked present on the Donegal coast every Sunday morning without fail; rain, hail or shine. Never one to let a layer of snow get in the way of his game, he would simply pull out the fluorescent golf balls and get on with it.”

A club spokesman commented: “Claude was always known and loved for his humour, his friendship and of course he was a fantastic storyteller. He’ll be sadly, sadly missed by many.”

Claude travelled the world over with his fourball friends, taking part in ProAm golfing competitions from Ireland to Spain, Portugal to Thailand.

“They became known as ‘The A-Team’ amongst their peers due to the many and varied successes they enjoyed. In truth, it was really about the friendship and the camaraderie. The successes were a welcome by-product of that special bond between friends.”

Claude also excelled in business.

From humble beginnings as a car mechanic in Ederney, his passion for motor vehicles saw him bring the Renault brand to Omagh in 1971 - the first car franchise in the town.

TC Autos became a major player in the locality and quickly grew to become the only dealership worldwide to secure the coveted RUK Global Quality Award three years running.

Sixteen years on, Claude rebuilt the business from the ground up, after it was completely destroyed in a huge bomb attack.

“The bomb was absolutely devastating,” commented Austin “But my father had always maintained that had anyone perished in the explosion, then he simply couldn’t have brought it upon himself to rebuild. It truly was a mammoth task.”

Today, almost a half a century later, his family continue the business, having expanded to include other motor franchises in a company he had been so proud to have led for so long.

Claude’s talents weren’t limited to sport and business. He was an accomplished artist in private and an incredibly talented calligraphist with a style unrivalled, as unique as his art.

Austin continued: “Down the years, many travelled to lend dad’s gifted hand to forewords, inscriptions, invitations and anything else that demanded the creativity and flair that he was so well known and respected for. Though he was sometimes exhausted, he would always oblige.”

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to those who assisted in any small way, in the hours and days that followed Claude’s passing. “The kindness of others becomes amplified in challenging times and more so, given the complications and restrictions surrounding the current pandemic,” added Austin.

“We will remain eternally grateful for the assistance and support shown to us by so many through such a difficult period.”

Claude Noel Maguire passed peacefully at his home, bathed in the light and love of his cherished family, as was his final wish. Dear husband of Angela, loving father to Claire (Michael), Edward, Claude (Jenny), Austin (Cara), Damien (Joanne) and Ross (Paula). Deeply regretted by his loving family, grandchildren, extended family and friends.

“It was an honour and a joy to know him, a devastating blow to lose him,” Austin concluded.

Funeral arrangements by Claude McKervey Funeral Directors.