The broad smile of Paul Coyle will be missed by all those who knew him on and off the football field following his unexpected passing on Monday.

Mr. Coyle (56) lived in Swatragh with his family, but a piece of his heart firmly rested in Fermanagh and in his native Garrison.  Described as a "one-off character", the popular Devenish St. Mary's and Fermanagh footballer was highly regarded in the county for his career on the pitch as well as his role as a County selector for Fermanagh.  His brother-in-law, Sean Treacy spoke of the shock and disbelief at the news of Mr. Coyle's sudden passing.  "Paul was an exceptionally good family man, a husband who was deeply loyal to Sally and his children. He stepped into leadership of his own family when his dad, Paul Senior was deceased in 2013.

"Despite his wide and various commitments Paul travelled religiously each Sunday to spend quality time with his beloved Mother, Breege at the family home."

Remembering his personality, he said: "Paul was charismatic, witty, adventurous, enthusiastic, joyously unrestrained, and passionate.

"He was a kind and generous human who possessed an outstanding ability to stay connected with an amazing network of people.

"When Paul was about, fun was lavishly abundant as he was always the life and soul of the party. His exuberant personality was an unnatural phenomenon."

Mr. Treacy recalled Mr. Coyle's prowess on the pitch: "In the world of the GAA, Paul first came to my attention in 1980. From an early age he was a gifted footballer, throughout his long and illustrious career he was never booked or sent from the field of play.

Back in 1980, Paul chalked up a personal tally in a U14 game of ten goals and six points when he commenced his career with Devenish Saint Mary’s. In the same year, he registered four goals and three points in an U16 game.

"His natural ability came to the attention of Minor manager and lifelong friend, Jim Carty who added him to Club’s Minor panel.  1980 was the one and only occasion that Devenish claimed a county minor double."

He was simply a gifted player across all age grades, Mr. Treacy explained: "Paul won medals at all underage grades and claimed five senior championship medals along with five senior league medals along with a variety of other medals.

"Paul was a regular on the Fermanagh Senior team for many years and terrorised defences the length and breadth of the country with his notorious and lethal left foot."

Even when he relocated away from Fermanagh, he was never far from a football field and ended his playing career with Loughmacrory and Swatragh.

A statement shared on social media paid tribute to Mr. Coyle and remembered a player who served the jerseys of both Devenish St. Mary's and Fermanagh "with distinction" and for his role as a County selector who was instrumental in helping to guide Fermanagh to the 2008 Ulster Final for the first time in 26 years.  A spokesperson said: "Fermanagh GAA are saddened to hear of the sudden death of our former Devenish St. Mary's and County player Paul Coyle. We extend our deepest sympathy to Paul's wife Sally, children Aoife, Peadar, Niall, Emer, Meabh and Fergal, mother Breege, brothers and sisters Patsy, Caroline, Sharon, Adrian, Declan and Kevin and the wider family circle.

Paying tribute to Paul's skills as a player, the spokesperson remembered "a nippy corner forward who caused many defenders trouble. He won five club championships and five league titles with Devenish and represented the county at minor, U21 and Senior levels from 1984 to 1995."

Outside of Fermanagh, Mr. Coyle was also a freshers Captain with University of Ulster, winning the Sigerson and Ryan Cup."

Mr. Coyle remained a passionate supporter of Fermanagh GAA, the most recent match he attended was on Saturday evening when the Ernemen took on Antrim. 

The spokesperson concluded: "His passion, friendly chat and big smile will be greatly missed by us all in Fermanagh."