Omagh native counted golf star among former pupils

AN Omagh man who was a talented gaelic footballer and athlete in his youth and counted one of the world’s top sportspeople as a pupil during a long career as a teacher, has died.

Martin Meyler passed away late last month at the age of 77 at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. He had lived a life which brought him from athletic and footballing prowess in his native town, before undertaking teaching roles in Persia and across the Middle East.

Born in 1946, he was the son of Martin and Alice Meyler, and brother to Sean (deceased), Maura, Eileen, Jimmy and Alice. After attending the CBS Primary and Grammar schools, he worked in the UlsterHerald during the summer as a teenager. His father worked with the ‘Herald for 50 years.

He subsequently attended St Joseph’s Teacher Training College in Belfast, where he held the title of cross-country champion and in the course of his life, he completed three marathons.

After graduating, he played for Omagh Town, alongside his brother, Jimmy.

His first teaching appointment was to St Comgall’s in Bangor, and he later moved to St Aidan’s Ballymurphy.

At that time he would meet Angela Booth.

Following their wedding, they both acquired teaching posts in Persia (now Iran). During that time, they travelled around the Middle East.

Martin, subsequently, took up a post in Brussels International School.

After returning home, he became vice-principal in Lisburn and gained a Masters Degree in Psychology, while also working part-time at St Mary’s Teacher Training College.

His final post was in the mid-1990s at St Patrick’s in Holywood, where he served as principal for 15 years. He often recalled stories about Rory McIlroy, and remained a supporter of the golfer as he earned glorious success internationally. The school posted a message of condolence which ended, “Martin may be in another room, but he will always be part of the fabric of our school.”