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GAA

04th Dec 2023

Tributes pour in after sudden death of former Tyrone minor star in Australia

Lee Costello

“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:

“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.”

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.”

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