“Matthew will forever leave an imprint on the hearts of all those that knew him.”
Tributes have poured in following the sudden death of former minor Tyrone star Matthew McGuigan, who passed away just days after moving to Australia with his girlfriend.
The 24-year-old forward who was captain of his club Kildress Wolfe Tones, had moved to Australia in the hope of playing for Cormac McAnallens GAA in Sydney.
His new club posted the following statement:
It is with deep regret and profound sadness that Coiste Chontae Thír Eoghain has learned of the death of Matthew McGuigan, Cill Dreasa.
Is le croí trom agus mórbhrón a d'fhoghlaim Coiste Chontae Thír Eoghain faoi bhás Mhaitiú Mhig Uiginn, Cill Dreasa.
Matty represented Tyrone… pic.twitter.com/I0d5li7Z0J
— Tyrone GAA (@TyroneGAALive) December 2, 2023
“In his short time spent here, [he] had touched the lives of many that were fortunate enough to encountered him. Matty’s love for Gaelic football and his extreme talent was one of many qualities he was well known for.
“His commitment and dedication to the game was to be admired by many and we all were looking forward to him being our team mate and part of our club.
“Matthew will forever leave an imprint on the hearts of all those that knew him and his charming smile and kindness will be greatly missed.”
"A thousand moments we had taken for granted because we thought there would be a thousand more… "
Matthew McGuigan RIP
The TTM team and followers are devastated to learn of the passing of @KWTGAC man Mattie McGuigan. We tender our deepest sympathy to the McGuigan and Treacy… pic.twitter.com/M8LZ8oxS0g
— Teamtalkmag.com (@teamtalkmagLIVE) December 3, 2023
In a statement on their Facebook page, Tyrone GAA said that Mr McGuigan represented the county in its 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,” the post added.
“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.”
Related links:
- “I flatlined three times” Former Tyrone star Mickey Coleman on surviving ‘widow maker’ heart attack
- Tyrone club combine the modern with the old school to silence Gaelic football sourpusses
- Tyrone legend compares Canavan brothers to one of Brazil’s greatest entertainers
WATCH: Liverpool BOTTLED the title race 🤬 | Who will win the Premier League?
