Tributes have been paid to a young Irishman who died suddenly just days after moving to Australia.
24-year-old Matthew McGuigan from Kildress near Cookstown in County Tyrone died suddenly after becoming ill on Saturday.
He had arrived in Sydney with his girlfriend last week.
Matthew McGuigan. Image: RIP.ieMatthew was a talented Gaelic footballer who represented his county as a member of the Minor squad in 2017.
Tyrone GAA said he had since developed into “one of the county’s most outstanding forwards”, adding that his performances for his club Kildress Wolfe Tones were “nothing short of extraordinary”.
Matthew’s brother Darragh McGuigan paid tribute to him on social media.
“Forever young; love you forever,” he said. “Very grateful to have you as a brother for 27 years of my life; don’t know how this has happened or why I’ll never understand.”
— Kildress Wolfe Tones (@KWTGAC) December 2, 2023
Kildress Wolfe Tones said: “We are absolutely devastated here in Kildress tonight with the sad news of Matty’s death.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the McGuigan and Tracey families at this very difficult time.”
The club added: “Rest in peace Matty, you truly were one of a kind.”
Tyrone GAA extended its “deepest sympathies” to Matthew’s family and friends.
“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,” it said.
“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.”
Matthew is survived by his parents Mel and Grainne, siblings Darragh, Liam and Karol and loving partner Clodagh.
The funeral arrangements have yet to be released.
Main image shows Matthew McGuiganon playing for Kildress Wolfe Tones. Image: Tyrone GAA
