“A real source of light and love” is how the family of the late Michael ‘Mac’ McGirr has described the 31-year-old who, following an extensive two-week search operation, was recovered from Lough Erne on Saturday, November 12.

“He was a real source of light and love in our family, and we are just going to miss him so terribly,” said Marie Perrett, Michael’s aunt, leading the tributes to her late nephew on behalf of the family.

“He was very creative, working on various projects and he loved music. He played the clarinet and he was teaching himself how to play the saxophone this year off YouTube videos.

“He also loved motorbikes,” she said, adding: “There’s just so much to tell about him.”

Michael, late of Pubble, Tempo, passed away tragically on Saturday, October 29. First reported missing that day, Michael had set out by boat to collect friends on Rossigh Jetty, Lower Lough Erne.

“They were going to Inish Davar [Island] for a get-together, which he often did. He was great for organising get-togethers and parties,” said his aunt, who described Michael as “real fun-loving”. “He was just up for the craic all the time.”

Sadly, Michael never made it to Rossigh Jetty. Following a search by emergency services, aided by the local community and beyond, Michael was recovered from Lough Erne on Saturday, two weeks to the day that he went missing.

He was found near Long Island, close to where the boat he had been travelling on had been located on Sunday, October 30.

“It was just overwhelming relief,” said Marie, talking about how Michael’s family felt following the news that he had finally been found.

The late Michael McGirr.

The late Michael McGirr.

“It was such a relief to get him back, to get him out of the cold water,” she added, emotion filling her voice.

There has been a torrent of grief across Fermanagh following the bittersweet news that Michael’s body had been found, with many people posting tributes to Michael on social media. “He just was a real character who was known and loved by so many people. He was very gentle, one of those people who never fell out with anyone.

“He never ever spoke a bad word or was cross with anybody,” said Marie, adding: “He had so many friends. I didn’t realise how many friends he had until they all flocked to support the family, to search for him and they just seemed to come from everywhere.”

She explained that it was this “outpouring of support” that has been such a source of strength for the family, especially during the past two weeks. “It’s really what’s kept us going, knowing that the whole community and even beyond the community have been totally behind Bernie [Michael’s mother].”

Going on to thank everyone those who “so selflessly” became involved in the search for Michael, Marie said: “There are too, too many to offer individual thanks to.

“Those who took time off work, losing pay. Those who stopped their everyday lives to help, dedicating fruitless days and still coming back the next morning. Those who funded their boat fuel for many hours on the Lough.

“Those who reorganised their family lives so they could spend hours and days searching. Those businesses who gave help without being asked, without motivation of profit or publicity. Those who willingly let their employees take time off because it was important to them.

“Those who couldn’t come out and prayed at home, or sent comforting messages from afar. Those who donated food and money. Those who didn’t even know Mac or anyone connected, but because they had suffered a similar tragedy overcame their own trauma to come out.

“Those friends, relations and priests who visited our family to support loved ones who were unable to physically help.

“Those who quietly answered the call for help and didn’t even make themselves known, and may never,” she added, continuing: “There is another special group of people who Bernie also wishes to recognise and thank – the ones who deal with this type of trauma willingly, because it is their vocation in this life to help others.

“Organisations such as the PSNI, the RNLI and the many volunteer search, rescue and recovery teams from all over Ireland. They come out each time there is a tragedy to help a family in need, offering emotional and professional support.”

Arranged by John McKeegan Funeral Director, Michael’s funeral took place yesterday (Wednesday, November 16).

Loved and cherished forever by his mother, Bernie and stepfather, Fintan; grandparents, nieces, nephews, extended family, his many friends and neighbours, Michael is deeply missed by all who knew him.