Devastating tributes for ‘bubbly’ & ‘gentle natured’ play school worker, 23, killed in Fermanagh as man, 45, quizzed
HEARTBREAKING tributes have been paid to a “bubbly and gentle” woman, 23, killed in Co Fermanagh over the weekend.
Ellie Flanagan was found dead at a house in the Corban Avenue area of Enniskillen on Saturday evening.
The PSNI arrested a man, 45, on suspicion of murder and other related offences and were given an extra 36 hours to quiz him yesterday.
Kilmacormick Playschool, where Ellie worked, have paid touching tribute to the 23-year-old, saying their “hearts are truly broken”.
In a statement, they said: “This is the hardest thing we have ever ever had to post.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we have to announce the sudden and tragic death of our colleague, dearest friend and family member Ellie.
“Our hearts are truly broken and we are trying to come to terms with her passing.
“Ellie was one in a million! Her love for children, our Little Foxes and kids from Early Days, was evident for all to see. As was the love that the kids showed Ellie in return.
“Her pure heart, bubbly, gentle nature and contagious smile shone like a light in the darkness every day.
“We have been truly blessed to have had Ellie at Little Foxes for the last few years, where she became an important and cherished member of our team.
“Our sympathy is with Ellie’s mum and family members at this difficult time and we ask you to keep them in your prayers.
“We will miss you more than you will ever know Ellie. Sleep tight in the arms of Jesus, until we meet again.”
A death notice for Ellie was also shared, stating that she died “suddenly” on March 7.
It added that Ellie was the beloved daughter of Karen, cherished granddaughter of Attracta and Rodger (Da), special grandniece of Marian Haggins and Joe Clarke and loving niece of Kevin (Martina), Jenny (Owen) and Paddy (Melissa)
The notice said Ellie was the adored cousin of Niamh, Aodhan, Shay, Pauric, Sarah, Aoife, James, Conan and Callum.
Ellie’s death came on International Women’s Day, sparking women’s groups to speak out against violence against women and girls.
Fermanagh Women’s Aid said: “To Ellie’s family, friends and the wider community, please know that we stand with you following this devastating news and the loss of your loved one.
“You remain in our thoughts at this difficult time.
“Ellie is the 29th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020, the vast majority of whom were killed in their homes. She was only in her 20s.”
The National Women’s Council of Ireland added: “It is hard to come up with words on the murder of another young and vital woman, with her whole life ahead of her. Ellie Flanagan was just 23.
“At NWC, we are devastated. The loss for Ellie’s loved ones is unfathomable. We send them love, strength and solidarity.
“Women, everywhere, should live free of violence.”
Pat Cullen, Sinn Fein MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, said on social media that Ellie was “so loved and cherished” and will be “sorely missed”.
Cullen said: “We didn’t think that we would be back here just so soon to talk about the death of another young woman.
“A big personality in the area, absolutely known by everyone, and can you imagine the loss that that will be, not just for her immediate family and friends but for the wider society around here.
“It’s unbearable to think about. If you look right throughout the North, we have a major problem here.
“And for me, the importance of us really putting our shoulder to the wheel with our strategy for violence against women and girls, which needs to be taken forward.
“We need to see the money that has been set aside now in the three-year financial plan, which is over £15million, brought forward and seriously implemented with community groups such as Fermanagh Women’s Aid.
“But we all have a responsibility; this is a societal problem. It’s about changing cultures, it’s about changing attitudes, it’s about leadership, it’s about education, particularly of young men and young boys.”
Ellie’s funeral details are yet to be confirmed.
