Former Erne Gaels player passes away after short illness

Mark Lyons (41) from Rockfield Park, Belleek passed away after a short illness on Tuesday evening in Plymouth, England, where he had been working as a carpenter.

The father-of-two excelled at Gaelic football, hurling, darts and one-liners.

News of his untimely passing has shocked a community still celebrating winning their first county football since 1981, a team led by his brother, Ryan, as captain.

Mark played Gaelic football and hurling for the Gaels for many years and was a tall, lean gifted athlete who feared no-one on the pitch and was a brilliant natural fielder of the ball.

He won an Intermediate County title with the club in 2008 and was a key figure in the 2016 county final where Erne Gaels narrowly lost out to Derrygonnelly.

But even though he was resident in England his heart was always at home, and he got to see his club and comrades end a 43-year famine on Saturday evening in Enniskillen which was so important to him.

He played county minor and U-21 football for Fermanagh and his brothers - Shane, Damian and Ryan - have all represented the county at various levels and his extended family is steeped in the Erne Gaels club.

But, his friendly nature meant that he was also very well known all over south Donegal where he was a gifted darter.

Paying tribute, a relative said Mark could liven up any settings.

“He was just such a lovely down-to-earth lad with so much natural ability at so many sports, was so talented but never took himself seriously.

“Mark loved people, he loved laughter and entertaining others, and he could cut to the heart of any matter in a nanosecond as he had a very quick brain.

“Above all, he loved life, and you always felt better in his company.

“A true legend."

No funeral arrangements have been announced for Mark’s return for burial in Belleek.

Mark is survived by his children Adam (19) and Sofia (11), his parents, Dermot and Margaret Shane, brother Damian and Ryan and sister Charlene and Margaret.