“We are all better for having had her in our lives”
Co Fermanagh murder victim Ellie Flanagan will be remembered as a “shining light” who was “so full of life” by those who knew her.
The 23-year-old was found at an address in the Corban Avenue area of Enniskillen on Saturday evening, March 7. A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and other related offences.
Detectives from the PSNI Major Investigation Team, who launched a murder inquiry following her death, said she was found by officers who were carrying out enquiries relating to a collision which took place on the Carn Road near Tempo at around 9.15pm on Saturday.
READ MORE: Fermanagh murder victim named by police as 23-year-old Ellie FlanaganREAD MORE: Co Fermanagh murder victim is 29th woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020
The local community has been plunged into ‘deep shock’ at the news of Ellie’s death. The young woman worked as a childminder in a play school.
An active member of the local drama scene in Co Fermanagh, Ellie’s friends at the Lakeland Players paid a touching tribute to their “beloved” member who recently shone as the Fairy Godmother in the Christmas Pantomime.
Taking to social media, The Lakeland Players said they were “devastated” sharing the news of her death.
A spokesperson said: “Ellie was a shining light in our group, and was someone who had the ability to brighten up any room as soon as she entered it.
“Our show each year and being part of our group was such a huge element of Ellie’s life, and her enthusiasm and infectious energy made her a perfect example of what we all strive to be in the Lakeland Players.
“Ellie was a fixture of our group for her whole life, joining the chorus at the earliest opportunity and more recently taking on her definitive role of the Fairy Godmother, a role which she embodied so well and undeniably made her own.
“Indeed, her dedication to the group was so much so that she arrived to the first rehearsal for this year’s show knowing all of her own lines, as well as everyone else’s.”
They continued: “There are no words we can use at the moment to describe the hurt and loss being felt across our group, but this pales into insignificance in comparison to the unimaginable loss which has been suffered by Ellie’s mother Karen, her grandparents Attracta and Roger, her dear auntie Marian, all her extended family and her many friends and colleagues.
“Our sincere condolences also go out to all Ellie’s work colleagues at Little Foxes Playgroup and all connected with the Flanagan and Haggins families.
“We gathered as a group this evening to remember Ellie, and an evening which began with sorrow and sadness grew into a gathering where we shared memories, laughter and the songs Ellie loved so much.
“This is exactly how we know Ellie would have wanted it to be, and it became clear that Ellie will be remembered as she lived, full of joy and happiness.
“Ellie was, above all, the most kind and gentle soul anyone could hope to meet, who was so full of life and joy. We are all better for having had her in our lives, and we will all hold dear so many fond memories of our time with her. In her short life, she left an indelible mark on so many.
“She will forever be our Fairy Godmother.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.