The death of Mr. Michael Reihill, Barnhill, Lisnaskea on September 1 in the South West Acute Hospital evoked sadness among the local and wider community.

Michael or ‘Mick’ as he was referred to by his many friends celebrated his 90th birthday on July 31. He had been in declining health in the last few years but he maintained a very positive attitude and continued to take his daily walk no matter how short, accompanied by his devoted wife Eilish or sons Ciaran or Gareth by his side.

Michael, having completed his Secondary Education at St. Michael’s College, Enniskillen, joined his father Francis in the family business where they worked together until his father’s retirement. He continued the bar/lounge business assisted by Oliver Swift for a number of years.

Michael and Oliver were a great team and were to the end as Oliver, now the local undertaker, paid him a great tribute by carrying out his funeral. Having been in the bar/lounge business for a considerable period, Michael decided on a change of career by opening the bookmaker business where he continued until retirement. He suited both roles and enjoyed the rapport with his local customers.

Michael was a man of many interests. He enjoyed all types of sport, especially horse racing, Gaelic football and golf. He played on the Lisnaskea GAA team. In his younger years he served as Captain of the Clones Golf Club.

Michael played an active part in the Fair and Marts Committee Lisnaskea and was instrumental in highlighting issues pertaining to the business community in the town. He was an avid reader of the daily papers and watcher of news programmes and documentaries which resulted in him having a wide general knowledge. He enjoyed the challenge of the daily crossword and would not rest easy until he completed it.

Michael enjoyed travelling abroad on holiday as well as taking frequent breaks in Ireland. His most enjoyable holiday memory was a trip he and his wife Eilish had on Concorde.

He enjoyed discussing world affairs and kept abreast of the many societal changes as well as embracing many of the technological changes. He took pride in his appearance and adapted easily to the casual or formal look. Not being able to drive owing to failing sight was a big disappointment for him who had always derived pleasure from driving a smart car.

Michael was the last surviving member of his family having been predeceased by his three brothers, Jim, Sean, Frank and his two sisters Nora and Kathleen. He is survived by his wife Eilish, sons Ciaran, Gareth, grandson Frankie and daughter-in-law Mary.