Matty McGuigan and Clodagh Corr (Picture: Facebook / Matty McGuigan)
A young Irish athlete has died just a few days after moving to Australia with his girlfriend.
Matty McGuigan, 24, and his partner Clodagh Corr only arrived in Sydney last Thursday night when tragedy struck just 24 hours later.
Matthew, from Cookstown, County Tyrone, suddenly fell ill after arriving down under and passed away, much to the shock of his former teammates.
He had played Gaelic football with Tyrone’s under-18s and had joined the Sydney club Cormac McAnallens GAA for his move to a new life.
The club said in a statement: ‘It is with a very heavy heart that Cormac McAnallens GAA has learned of the passing of our new member Matthew McGuigan.
‘Matty had only recently arrived in Sydney with his girlfriend Clodagh, and in his short time spent here, had touched the lives of many who were fortunate enough to have encountered him.
The couple had not long arrived in Australia when tragedy struck (Picture: Facebook / Matty Mc Guigan)
‘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 teammate and part of our club.
‘Matthew will forever leave an imprint on the hearts of all those who knew him and his charming smile and kindness will be greatly missed.’
Matty’s older brother, Darragh, paid tribute on social media, saying ‘Forever young, love you forever.
Matty was a popular young athlete (Picture: Facebook/Cormac McAnallens GAA)
‘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.’
Tyrone County GAA also released a statement praising Matty’s skills.
The club said: ‘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.
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‘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.’
A fundraiser in memory of Matty has raised more than £28,000 so far.
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