Obituary: Carnlough man is ‘great loss to the Glens’

Mr Magill, who had been suffering from Motor Neurone Disease, died in Antrim Hospital, on January 25.

Family friend Frances Wilson said: “Alex could be described as a character, a man of many talents: motor mechanic, farmer, wood carver, plaster moulder, artist in oils and watercolour.

“His paintings can be found hanging in many homes both here and abroad.

“He was also a good singer and musician who played the the fiddle and accordion and scared many of us with his storytelling yarns on a winter night.

“Alex was never happier than when he was helping people - repairing boats, cars and tractors.

“There was always a warm Irish welcome at Garron Road when anyone called to the house that his wife Rose and he built together.

“When he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, last year, it was a sad day for all.

“Attendance at his funeral Mass in Carnlough and burial in Feystown also showed the high-esteem in which he was held. He will be a great loss to the Glens and our sympathies are with Rose, his daughter Emma and son Alexander.”

A collection is still open for the family’s chosen charities. Donations can be made to the Macmillan Unit, at Antrim Hospital and the Motor Neurone Disease Association (NI), care of Mr Magill’s family,