Tributes paid to Fermanagh great Paul Coyle after sudden death

Former Swatragh GAC player and Fermanagh great has had many tributes following his passing on Monday.

Paul Coyle lived in Swatragh in recent times, the Belleek native and Devinish club man had represented his county proudly for over a decade at all age levels from 1984 to 1995. 

He was husband to Sally, and father of Aoife, Peadar, Niall, Emer, Meabh and Fergal.

Remembered as one of the most talented forwards Fermanagh ever produced he would be starved of silverware for his county but he managed to lift the Sigurdson Cup and Ryan Cup while representing Ulster University.

His dedication to Fermanagh GAA was evident when he was a selector for the county in 2007 when Malachy O’Rouke was manager in 2007.

At the time he was living in Swatragh, County Derry, and it was a three hour round trip to the Fermanagh training base in Lissan.

A statement from Fermanagh read: “Paul graced the Devenish and Fermanagh jerseys with distinction, a nippy corner forward who caused many defenders trouble.

“While Paul may have moved out of Fermanagh, his commitment and passion to the county never waned. He was instrumental in helping us guide Fermanagh to the 2008 Ulster final, a first in 26 years.

“His passion, friendly chat and big smile will be greatly missed by us all in Fermanagh.”

And his home club of Devenish St. Mary’s provided an online tribute to Coyle. 

It said: “It was with deep regret, sadness and shock that we learned of the death of our past player and friend, Paul Coyle.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time and in the days ahead. Paul had a distinguished playing career with Devenish and Fermanagh GAA, winning five senior championship medals and five senior leagues. He claimed Sigerson and Ryan Cup medals with Ulster University Gaelic Academy in 1987 and was also a Freshers captain.

“He later went on to play for Loch Mhic Ruairí Naomh Treasa GAA and Michael Davitt GAC Swatragh. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by everyone associated with Devenish St Mary's. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

And a further online heartfelt tribute came from Ulster University Gaelic Academy.

It read: “It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the untimely passing of our esteemed past player Paul. A fantastic footballer, fresher captain, Sigerson & Ryan Cup winner with Ulster University. A true gentleman with an infectious smile and personally. Paul had time for everyone. We have lost a very dear friend.

“Ulster University Gaelic Academy and Ulster University Gaelic Alumni offer our deepest condolences to his wife Sally, his children Aoife, Peadar, Niall, Emer, Meabh and Fergal.

“We offer our deepest sympathies to his mother Breege, his brothers and sisters Kevin, Declan, Adrian, Patsy, Sharon and Caroline. We extend our sympathies to the wider Coyle and Mooney family circle. Gone, but will never be forgotten. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”