The funeral of popular Lurgan man Finbar McCann to take place tomorrow

Mr McCann. a well known and popular figure in his home town, died suddenly on Thursday.

The son of Mary and Barry McCann of Kelly Gardens, Finbar was a twin to his brother Emmett and sister of Emma.

Even in his childhood days at St Teresa’s Primary School and later at St Paul’s High School, Finbar was regarded as a smiling-faced, mischievous cheeky chappy who loved to have fun.

He studied bricklaying at the Southern Regional College in Portadown and was very talented at his job.

He spent several years in Cork working until the recession hit and he returned to his native Lurgan.

Laterly he worked at Ulster Meats in Lurgan where a minute’s silence was held in his memory.

Finbar had many friends and loved to socialise.

However family was his priority and he adored his granny Eilish McManus who he visited regularly.

And he was very close to his twin brother Emmett and his sister Emma and her husband Jason. Indeed he loved being uncle to their two children Ciomhan and Abi and often took them on trips to Nutts Corner.

Finbar was very fond of his uncles Kieran, Liam, Brian and his auntie Margaret and Helena and his cousins Stephen and Danielle.

Since the tender age of seven he was a regular fixture at Parkside Snooker hall and became a talented player and avid fan, particularly of snooker legend John Higgins who he went to see on a regular basis and even beat him on one occasion.

He was often seen at the snooker tournaments in Sheffield and Killarney so much so that many of the top players knew him personally. He regularly got free tickets and a special seat in the players’ box.

His other passion was hunting and he loved his lurcher dogs and spent many hours enjoying the sport.

Finbar was a Celtic FC fan too and supported them at every chance, going to games and watching it on TV with his friends and family.

Known to his many friends as Finny, he was a very popular lad who loved to socialise. A good-looking young man, he was a hit with the ladies and enjoyed the nightlife in Lurgan and elsewhere.

Finbar just loved his cars and travelled across Ireland until he found the right one after passing his driving test the first time.

His brother Emmett described him as a thoughtful brother and very sensitive.

He was very caring and was very good to other young people, often taking them under his wing.

Emmett spoke of how much his parents adored Finbar. “ They were very close and they couldn’t have been better to him.”

Both he and Emma recalled how, ever the joker, Finbar would often play tricks and never seemed to get the blame.

“It was hard not to forgive him with his cheeky smile,” said Emmett.

The McCann family would like to thank everyone who has called to their home and left messages and showed their support. It has been very much appreciated at this difficult time.

Finbar’s remains will be leaving the family home in Kelly Gardens at 11.30am for Requiem Mass at St Peter’s Church at 12.15pm with interment after at St Coleman’s Cemetery.

The family has asked that donations in lieu of flowers be made to PIPS c/o Jack McLearnon and Son Funeral Directors, 75 North St, Lurgan.