Tributes to Carrickmore man who was ‘loved by everyone’

TRIBUTES have been paid to an Altinagh man who was one of the most knowledgeable people on the history of his native Carrickmore.

Mickey Coyle, who was aged 90, was well-known for over 60 years for his work within the community.

He was a past-president of the local GAA club, and was among those who took part in the Termon2016 project organised by The Patrician, which he had helped build back in 1961.

The Patrician described him as a ‘dependable, helpful and willing character’.

“He was solid as the Rock upon which he was raised. A man of faith, family and friends, Mickey will be missed by many,” a statement said.

It added, “As one of the oldest members of our parish community, Mickey was the ‘go-to man for information. He talked for over two hours in the interview for the Termon 2016 project, in one instance describing how as a schoolboy at Tursallagh National School, the famous Dr Patrick McCartan came to visit them.”

In an interview with the UlsterHerald in 2012 marking the 50th anniversary of the opening of The Patrician Hall, Mr Coyle shared some of his recollections about the construction of the building in 1961.

“There could easily have been a couple of dozen men on site at any one time. There was a lot of activity, the work was done in a very short time. It was hard work, but good craic all the same,” he recalled.

“People were happy to do the work, there was never any bother getting people. It used to work that if you couldn’t come on the day, you sent someone in your place. There was always plenty of help.”

Carrickmore GAA said that Mr Coyle, who served as president of the club in 2017, was ‘loved by everyone’ and would be sadly missed. Mr Coyle is survived by his wife, Alice, daughter, Mary, son-in-law, George and grandsons, Paul and Ronan.