'˜Stephen loved speaking to nature' at spot family decorated outdoor Christmas tree in his memory

Stephen O'Neill feeds a robin at the spot his family decorated a tree in his memory

Stephen O’Neill, a popular and much loved performer from the Brackaville area, was just 48 when he suddenly passed away at his home.

Over the festive period walkers along Coalisland Canal were greeted with a ‘beautiful tribute’ to the man, who enjoyed nothing better than getting close to nature.

It was lovingly decorated by his sisters Bernadette and Jacqueline, and cousin Marie Carron.

Stephen's Christmas tree along Coalisland Canal walk. Pic: Clonoe Gallery

“The reason we did it down the line was because Stephen loved speaking to nature down there,” said a close family member.

“He would have spent a lot of time there bird watching.”

The tree, which also holds a picture of the late Mr O’Neill can be found along The Coalisland Canal near Derryheskallagh.

Tributes have also been paid to Stephen on Clonoe Gallery, where the original picture of the tree was posted.