The town of Enniskillen and the wider football community has been plunged into mourning following the tragic passing of Michael Kerr.
The affable Enniskillen man was in charge for all four of Enniskillen Rangers' Irish Junior Cup successes, with the club claiming three-in-a-row from 2017-2019, and he led the team out as player manager at The National Stadium at Windsor Park for the first of those triumphs.
He only stepped down as Rangers manager last month after a decade in charge and had recently agreed to become manager of Tyrone side Beragh Swifts for the 2025/26 season.
Kerr, 40, took ill suddenly on Saturday and his death has left the close-knit Enniskillen community stunned.
He is survived by his wife Donna and three young children, Annie-Mae, Cara and Colleen. Kerr worked as MFC Sports Football Development Manager, a well-known team-wear company in Northern Ireland and beyond.
Hundreds of tributes and messages have been posted on social media with people sharing their shock and sympathy while recalling a special footballer and manager, but more importantly, a true gentleman.
"All at Enniskillen Rangers FC were shocked and saddened at the unexpected and untimely passing of our Player and Manager Michael Kerr yesterday afternoon," said an Enniskillen Ranhers social media statement on Sunday afternoon. "It is difficult to put into words the shock felt by all at Enniskillen Rangers at this time. We have lost a club legend, but more than that, we have lost a true friend. Ironically, his passing took place on the same afternoon the club had gathered to celebrate his outstanding achievements. There will be a time in the future to reflect on and record Michael’s achievements in football and his life.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Donna, his daughters Annie Mae, Cara and Colleen, his parents Dessie and Dee, sister Michelle and the extended Kerr and Maguire families and his wide circle of friends. We extend our love, our deepest sympathy and our support to you all.
"Funeral arrangements have still to be confirmed and in the meantime, we ask that everyone respect the Family’s privacy at this time. May Michael rest In Eternal Peace."
The Irish Football Association offered their condolences and said: "We are saddened by the sudden passing of Michael Kerr. A respected manager, talented footballer, and true gentleman, Michael led Enniskillen Rangers to four Irish Junior Cup titles and had recently taken on a new challenge with Beragh Swifts. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who knew and loved him."
The chairman of the Fermanagh and Western League Neil Jardine shared his own emotional tribute on Sunday morning.
He said: "Everybody connected with the Fermanagh & Western Football League, whether it be a player, official, administrator or supporter was deeply shocked and saddened by the news yesterday that Michael Kerr had passed away at the age of 40.
"Michael was associated with local football for over twenty-five years, from his time with the then Fermanagh Milk Cup team, through playing spells with Enniskillen Town United, Ballinamallard United, Monaghan United and of course Enniskillen Rangers.
"In September he led the first side from the North to win the IFA/FAI President’s Cup, officially becoming All-Ireland Champions. In 2022 and 2023, Michael managed the Fermanagh & Western Select side against Sligo & Leitrim District Soccer League, leading the team to wins in both games and firmly re-establishing the value of the Representative game after a long break.
"Whilst we remember Michael’s achievements in the local game which stand along many of the greats to have graced our League, our immediate thoughts and heartfelt sympathy go out to his wife Donna and their three young daughters, his parents Dessie and Dee and sister Michelle along with the extended families. Rest in peace Michael."
Former Dungannon Swifts manager Dixie Robinson said: "Absolutely gutted to hear the unbelievable news at the loss of Michael Kerr. A fantastic football man and a great man. Sincere sympathies to his immediate family and all of his football friends. May he RIP."
A youth football tournament due to be held in the town on Sunday has been postponed.
In all at Enniskillen Rangers, Kerr won three Fermanagh and Western League titles, four Irish Junior Cups, one Mulhern Cup and one All-Ireland Junior Cup in charge of Enniskillen Rangers.
“To lead the team out to Windsor Park for the first Junior Cup final is something I will never forget," Kerr told Belfast Live in 2021 when asked for the highlight of his tenure. "I brought my daughter with me who was only one or two at the time, so that was an unbelievable moment."
The Kerr family are well known for their devotion to football locally, with Michael's father Dessie a decorated former Rangers player and more recently a referee in the Fermanagh and Western Football League.
