Death of young Tyrone GAA ace stuns local community

Matthew McGuigan passed away after becoming ill in Australia at the weekend, just days after arriving with his girlfriend

Sadness: Matthew McGuigan

A former Tyrone minor footballer has died suddenly in Australia.

The death of Matthew McGuigan, the 24-year-old captain of the Kildress senior team, has stunned the local community.

He passed away after becoming ill in Australia at the weekend, just days after arriving in the country with his girlfriend Clodagh.

The couple had only departed for Sydney on Wednesday morning last.

Matty had been captain of the Kildress Wolfe Tones senior team for the past two seasons, and also managed the club’s minor team this year.

He had represented Tyrone at under-age level, playing for the county minor team in 2017.

His sudden death is the second tragedy to hit the Kildress club in recent months.

Nine-year-old Ronan Wilson was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Bundoran in September. All club activities have been postponed as a mark of respect.

Tyrone GAA said in a tribute: “It is with deep regret and profound sadness that Coiste Chontae Thír Eoghain has learned of the death of Matthew McGuigan, Cill Dreasa.

“Matty represented Tyrone as a member of the County Minor squad in 2017 and since then had developed into one of the county’s most outstanding forwards with his club Kildress Wolfe Tones.

“Matty’s contributions to his team were nothing short of extraordinary, and his legacy as a player will forever be etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of witnessing his prowess on the field.

“His commitment to the game and his unwavering spirit has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Kildress Wolfe Tones and the broader community in Tyrone.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the McGuigan and Treacy Families, to Matthew’s partner and friends and to the entire Cill Dreasa club.”