A Co Tyrone GAA club has marked one of its “darkest days” as the body of their young star player was returned following his sudden death in Australia.
Matty McGuigan, who was 24 and from Cookstown, had recently moved to Sydney with his partner, but took ill less than two days after arriving in the city.
He passed away on December 2, and his loss was the second tragedy to hit his GAA club, Kildress Wolfe Tones, in recent months, after 9-year-old youth player Ronan Wilson was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Bundoran, Co Donegal, in September.
Matty’s remains have arrived back in Ireland with the help of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, and a homecoming event was held at Kildress Wolfe Tones’ Loughdoo Road grounds on Thursday.
Devastated members turned out to flank the hearse carrying Matty’s coffin at the gathering, and paid tribute to their teammate, who was a former club captain.
Matty had also turned out for the Tyrone minor side, and the county board has described him as one of their “most outstanding forwards”.
Read more: Co Tyrone Gael Matty McGuigan remembered for ‘unwavering spirit’
Kildress chairman Dominic McGurk told the Irish News: “This was one of the darkest days for the club, and our members are absolutely devastated at the loss of such a popular young player, who was one of the best forwards in all age groups.
“Our thoughts remain with all of his family and his girlfriend Clodagh as they continue to come to terms with this tragedy.
“The club has a rota for stewards to be on hand throughout the wake, which begins on Friday, and we will have a guard of honour at his funeral.”
A funeral is taking place on Sunday at St Mary’s Church, Dunamore.
