Dad-of-two killed in single-vehicle crash involving quad bike as tributes pour in for ‘life and soul’ of local clubs

TRIBUTES have poured in for a man, aged in his 50s, who lost his life in a horror single-vehicle crash involving a quad bike in Fermanagh. Popular community man Vincent ‘Vinny’ Smith was killed in the collision in Lisnaskea this morning. The collision was reported just before 7.40am this morning. The dad-of-two had been riding a Honda quad on the Moat Road when the crash occurred. The road has since reopened and the PSNI are now requesting anyone with information to come forward. Roads Inspector Cherith Adair from the PSNI Collision Investigation Unit said: “My detectives are investigating the circumstances of the incident and would like to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have captured dash-cam or other footage which could assist with our enquiries. “Please call on 101, quoting reference 290 14/09/24, or submit information online here.” As news of Vincent’s tragic passing continues to spread across the community, heartfelt tributes have poured in for the beloved man. Lisnaskea Emmetts GAA club took to social media to pay tribute to the “invaluable volunteer” and clubman, who was a former player. They said: “The entire club is in shock today at the news of the sudden death of club man Vinnie Smith. Vinnie played all codes and at all grades for the club and has been an invaluable volunteer as a coach and helper in maintaining our grounds. Only a few weeks ago he gave up his time to help improve our pitch. “Vinny was a dedicated member of the Emmetts hurling teams over many years, winning multiple competitions at under age and senior level including county league and championship and Armagh league titles with the club. “He also represented Fermanagh GAA senior hurlers with distinction for several seasons.” They added: “Everyone in the club would like to pass on their sympathies to Tina, Shea ,Mairéad and the wider family and friends at this terrible time.” Other club members shared heartbreaking tributes to the dad and remembered him fondly. One person wrote: “Like many people, I still find this tragedy hard to believe. Vinnie will be sorely missed at Emmett Park. “He gave years of service to football and hurling. As well as this he managed the ladies team and helped out with the maintenance at Emmett Park.” Another wrote: “So sorry to hear about Vinny. He played hurling for the club for years and many of us would have played alongside him. “Lots of craic (and battles) were had over those years playing in the likes of the Armagh league.” ‘HE WILL LEAVE A DEEP HOLE IN OUR HEARTS’ MAD DOG MCC, a motorcycle club based in Fermanagh, shared plans to organise a guard of honour for the highly-respected man’s funeral. The club said: “To say that we are all heartbroken to say the least. Vinny was the life and soul of the club and he will leave a deep hole in our hearts. “We want to express our sincere sympathies to our club member Shea Smith and the rest of his family and friends.” In a resounding tribute to the motorcycle fan he was remembered as a “gentleman” by club members. One tribute read: “Condolences to the family Vinny was a great man an absolute gentleman when I was in the club not many men like him.” Another said: “Sincere condolences to the Smith family. Vinny was a true gentleman and always there. May he rest in peace.” Another added: “So sorry to read this, Vinny was a gentleman, and would help anyone out if he could.” Thank you Vinny from the bottom of our broken hearts.”Mourner Gone But Not Forgotten Bikers shared an emotional thank you to Vincent for his work with them. The Gone But Not Forgotten Bikers Memorial is an annual event that aims to remember family and friends lost and give mourners a space to connect. Just weeks ago Vincent had helped out at the event serving food alongside his son who is also a member of the MAD DOG MCC. The memorial group had planned to publicly thank Vincent for his hard work but tragically stated “that is not possible now”. The heartbreaking tribute read: “Just a few short weeks ago Vinny Smith helped the National Bikers Memorial project out in the most practical of ways. “His club, Mad Dog MCC had donated 200 burgers and Vinny alongside his son Shea stood by the BBQ without a break until every last item was cooked and sold. ‘WE ARE DEVASTATED’ “That effort, that he dismissed as ‘no problem’ played a huge part in the success of the fun day. “We had hoped in recent days to get a photo of Vinny & Shea to publicise the trojan work that was done that day, and to personally thank Vinny, Shea and the Mad Dog MCC again for their help. Sadly that is not possible now. “But we do thank you Vinny, from the bottom of our heartbroken hearts, for your help, support and kindness. We are devastated for you, your family, club mates and many friends today. May you rest in peace brother.” Vincent will be deeply missed by his wife Tina and children Shéa and Máiread. He was the “dearly loved son” of Angela and will also be missed by his siblings Michael, Kevin and Sean. His funeral details are expected to be announced at a later date.