Eleanor Fox was a one of a kind. A special young woman, who cared deeply for her family, her community and those less well off.
Her unexpected but peaceful passing at the young age of 43 has left a deep sorrow across her townland of Mullanbeg, her town of Carrickmore, her parish of Termonmaguirc, her county of Tyrone and further afield in New York.
Born in March 1981, Eleanor was the youngest child of Maureen and Patrick Fox. She had three older brothers, Michael, Patrick and Adrian, and an older sister, Louise.
Life growing up was that of many rural homes, where hard work was valued, a can-do attitude was forged, and a willingness to give to others evident in everyday life.
As with her sister, and many of her friends, Eleanor became deeply involved with her beloved St Colmcille’s GFC, An Charraig Mhór, playing on all teams right up to senior.
She also coached many of the youth teams, and served on committees from a young age, including a stint as assistant treasurer for the club.
A multiple championship winner with a trusty left boot, Eleanor was not only talented and skilful but also incredibly committed to our club. She wasn’t one for missing training or complaining if the going was tough. She would not give in. Ever.
Eleanor played for Tyrone at under-16 and minor level, and inevitably gave her time to Tyrone Ladies County Board as a club delegate, treasurer and also as female liaison officer for some of the youth county teams.
She was diligent, an honest broker; never in it for herself. She remained passionate about creating the platform and opportunity for others to thrive and improve.
In early 2001, Eleanor took herself to the Big Apple to make a life for herself. She immediately immersed herself with the GAA there, specifically with Mayo Ladies.
Eleanor was a player, administrator and coach there, also helping to establish Gaelic4Girls, a programme that first started in her beloved Carrickmore. Her impact in NYC continues to be felt by many.
In sport, Eleanor was a brilliant teammate, encouraging those around her, bringing positivity to every session and giving her all. The club and team always came first – there was no ego with Eleanor Fox.
Eleanor also loved her Mud Runs and her cross fit classes. Everywhere she went she radiated positivity.
On her return from New York, Eleanor started working with Evolution Healthcare, a company relatively early in its development. As Operations Manager, she oversaw the daily running of the business, providing the assurance and diligence to manage the team and grow the company along with the developing the friendships she cherished amongst the staff.
An incredibly committed individual, Eleanor worked so hard and was very of proud of her team.
For a spell, Eleanor also worked as part of the team in Cano’s restaurant in Dungannon, serving customers and assisting with book keeping.
She also completed fitness instructor qualifications and was renowned for her Fab Ab classes in Loughmacrory.
Eleanor was an amazing fundraiser, undertaking many challenges, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and hiking the Great Wall of China to raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Perhaps her greatest fundraising accomplishment was in the name of her late brother Michael. Eleanor, along with family, friends and colleagues, raised significant funds to enable the purchase of two Sorrento Seating systems, two high back chairs and a flat screen TV for the Omagh centre who cared so diligently for him.
The most important element of Eleanor’s life was spending time with her family and friends. She loved walking and talking, coffees, long lunches, taking in shows, GAA games or rugby matches. Once her family or friends were for the road, she was in too.
At her Requiem Mass on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, Fr McAnenly equated Eleanor’s life to a gift. Our gift from God, received at birth and now returned to God.
Eleanor will be remembered not only for her achievements on the sports field, in the committee rooms and in her workplace, but also for the lasting and loyal friendships she formed.
Her smile lit up every room, and there are not many people that met Eleanor that were not impacted by her.
Dependable, funny, loyal, kind, hard-working, unassuming – if we were to create the perfect person, then she would be the template.
She was a person of great integrity and as solid as the rock she was born upon.
We offer our deepest condolences to Eleanor’s parents, Pat and Maureen, her brothers, Patrick and Adrian, her sister, Louise, her sister-in-law Mary Teresa and brother-in-law Nicky, niece Emma, nephews Pauric and Malachy and the extended Fox and Kelly families.
Eleanor’s month’s mind will be offered on Tuesday January 28 at 7.30pm in St Colmcille’s Church, Carrickmore.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.