Lisnaskea Emmett’s GAA club have led the tributes following the sudden passing of one of the pillars of the local community.
The death of Stevie McCaffrey on Wednesday morning shocked the people of Lisnaskea and the surrounding areas. The McCaffrey family is steeped in the local Gaelic club with Stevie a former player, manager, referee and chairman.
After news of his death was made public, the Lisnaskea Emmett’s GAA club posted: “The club offer their sincerest condolences to his wife Linda, sons Paul, Stephen & Darren, daughters Lorraine & Aileen & the entire McCaffrey family on the untimely death of Stevie.
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“We offer our sympathies to Collie Snr, our groundsman, Collie Jnr, our Club Maith Committee Member & his nephew Rory, a member of the back room team at Senior & Reserve level this year.
“Stevie was a former Chairman, Referee, Manager, Player & Supporter for the club over many years. Between himself & Eamon Curran they were responsible for setting up the juniors in the club, winning the Junior Championship in 1968.
“Although he could never drive he refereed many games, always getting a lift there & back by his many friends. He also was a key member of our Golf Classic Organising Committee every year including as recently as June this year. He was a popular figure around the town & will be sadly missed. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.”
McCaffrey worked at the Credit Union in the town before his retirement in 2018 and was a well-known and welcoming face to people of all ages.
Lisnaskea Credit Union also shared their touching tribute on social media.
“It is with great sadness today that we note the passing of our colleague and friend Stephen McCaffrey," read the post.
“As you all know, Stevie was a great asset and a central figure of the team at Lisnaskea Credit Union for many years. He was always helpful, approachable and a source of knowledge which we all availed of many times.
“He provided guidance and support to our members and often went above and beyond to help when someone was in need. For this and his many wonderful attributes, he will be sorely missed.
“For the staff who were privileged to work alongside him, this loss is inconsolable. Working with Stevie meant the conversation was never boring, and the craic was always mighty. He could quote from William Shakespeare to Oscar Wilde to Seamus Heaney on any given day, and you were always better off after hearing his words of wisdom.
“He was an intelligent, kind-hearted, hard-working individual. We helped him with countless quiz questions, treasure hunts, golf classics etc over the years, and never once did he refuse to assist with any community event in the locality.
“Stevie was a very proud family man. He adored his wife Linda and was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren. He delighted in keeping us up to date with everything after he retired in December 2018, and we looked forward to him calling in for a cuppa and a chat every week.
“He had an energy and a smile that could lift a room, and the Credit Union was a better place for having him here with us. We will never forget you Stevie.
“Our sympathies to Linda, Paul, Lorraine, Stephen, Aileen & Darren, and the extended McCaffrey family at this sad time.”
Stevie McCaffrey’s funeral mass will be held this Saturday morning at Holy Cross Church, Lisnaskea at 11am.
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