Tributes paid to Fermanagh caravan park owner who died while cutting grass

A Co Fermanagh businessman has died while operating a ride-on lawnmower at the caravan park which he owned.
Ivan Bradshaw was a very honest and genuine person. Picture: Lisnarick Football ClubIvan Bradshaw was a very honest and genuine person. Picture: Lisnarick Football Club
Ivan Bradshaw was a very honest and genuine person. Picture: Lisnarick Football Club

Ivan Bradshaw, aged in his 60s, died at Drumhoney Caravan Park in Lisnarick on Friday.

It is understood he had been cutting grass in the caravan park when he died of natural causes at around 8pm. The mower then tumbled over which had led to speculation he had died due to an accident.

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Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Tom Elliott has been friends with Mr Bradshaw since he was a young boy.

Tributes have been paid to Fermanagh businessman Ivan BradshawTributes have been paid to Fermanagh businessman Ivan Bradshaw
Tributes have been paid to Fermanagh businessman Ivan Bradshaw

He said the businessman was very supportive of the local community and was a really well-known character in Co Fermanagh.

In terms of their friendship he said: “He was very straightforward.

“If he’d something to say to you he just said it. He was always a very honest and genuine person.

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“He was a good man to bounce ideas off. He told you what he thought, not always what you wanted to hear.”

Tributes have been paid to Fermanagh businessman Ivan BradshawTributes have been paid to Fermanagh businessman Ivan Bradshaw
Tributes have been paid to Fermanagh businessman Ivan Bradshaw

Rosemary Barton , Ulster Unionist MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, also knew Mr Bradshaw well.

She said he was “a very affable person and an extremely popular businessman”.

She said he was continually developing his caravan park to enhance the experience of visitors to Fermanagh and was one of the first to add ‘glamping pods’ to his property.

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She added: “Ivan was a big man with an even bigger heart. Earlier this week when I met him he was his usual smiling, happy self who always had a joke with everyone he met. He gave of his time generously in raising much-needed funds whether for local causes or national charities.

“I know Ivan will be sadly missed not only by his family, but by the many tourists who have enjoyed their visits to Fermanagh at his holiday park.”

Mr Bradshaw’s funeral will take place at 2pm on Tuesday at Killadeas Parish Church. He is survived by his wife Evelyn and his three sons.