Popular local businessman John Cosgrove has died, aged 75.

Many across Fermanagh will be familiar with John through his establishment of the highly successful Print Factory which he set up in Derrychara in 1984. As the business expanded it later relocated to its present site at Lackaboy Industrial estate.

Raised in Ahascragh, County Galway in 1945, John moved to Lisnaskea as his father moved there for work.

When John’s mother passed away at an early age, he moved to Glasgow to live with his sister for several years.

In Scotland he developed a love for showbands and could be found listening to a wide range of music. He had a love of all kinds of music from Little Richard to Daniel O’Donnell. He was a keen guitarist.

John began his career in the printing industry after a customer identified his work ethic while he was waiting tables and told him to apply for an apprenticeship scheme.

Until his passing John ensured that anyone who served him was sufficiently rewarded as he recognised the effort put in by those who work in the hospitality industry.

When John arrived home from work his family spent entire evenings listening to him speak fondly of his work colleagues and customers. His stories would range from an unexpected visitor who popped into the factory to an exciting job to hit the printing presses demanding late nights by John and the staff.

Occasionally John would bring home printed literature thoroughly reciting the step - by - step process required to produce the product and who was involved at each stage - such was his passion for his craft.

His family commented that: “He never clocked off. In the morning he would leave home looking like a smart suited businessman but in the evening, he’d return with ink down his shirt and under his nails.”

Maureen, the mother of John’s children and Veronica, John’s late wife helped John build his dream for the factory. His five children; Claire, Aidan, John, Edel and Paul worked at the factory throughout the years but it was his sons, Aidan and John who would take over the running of business he loved dearly in 2005 when John stepped back.

His son Aidan said: “He never really retired.

“He was always about the factory.”

John was always interested and invested in his trade said Aidan.

“Dad would get upset if I didn’t bring him home Printweek, the industry magazine,” reflected Aidan

John adored his family. He was born the youngest of a family of seven. He was a devoted father to his five children and a doting grandfather to his nine grandchildren whom he frequently spoilt on a Saturday afternoon where he would buy everything the children desired, much to their heart’s delight.

Outside of work, John enjoyed frequent road trips with his family.

He always travelled to Ireland’s west coast, a reflection of his Galway roots. His family recalled memories of “his jeep packed, an abundance of ham and salad cream sandwiches together with goodies for a picnic, music blasting from the speakers with a map printed and laminated in the factory, guiding the way to the beach, which of course was Rossnowlagh”.

John enjoyed water activities from banana boating to jet skiing, to bringing his children to Bundoran and Portrush water parks, afterwards venturing into the neighbouring fun fair.

Family photo albums are bursting full of memories from over the years spent along the Irish coastline.

John Cosgrove’s funeral Mass will be celebrated at St.Michael’s Church, Enniskillen this weekend with limited numbers due to Covid-19 regulations. The funeral arrangements will be carried out by John McKeegan.