A “beloved” former Armagh man has passed away suddenly while on holiday on a Spanish island.
Gerard McCoy – who was living with his family in Waterville,Co Kerry – had formerly hailed from the Woodford area of Armagh.
He was a prominent player and club member of Pearse Ògs and briefly played with the Armagh senior county team.
He tragically passed away on November 1 while in Lanzarote.
A death notice described him as the loving wife Hazel and his adored children Grace, Chloe and Jamie, his parents Francis and Maura McCoy, sisters Marie Claire, Michelle and Donna, brothers Paul and David, sister-in-law Claire McCoy, brothers-in-law Martin O’ Kane, Ronan Clarke and Gareth Foster, his parents-in-law Padraig and Sheila Ann Fogarty, brother-in-law Patrick Fogarty and his wife Maura, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.
Pearse Ogs GAA led tributes to a former player: “Pearse Óg committee and members are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player and youth coach Gerard McCoy.
“We offer our sincere condolences to his wife and children, his parents, sisters, brothers and entire family circle and friends, many of whom have a close connection to our club. Ar dheis Dè go raibh an anam dílis.”
Sharing their condolences, one person said: “I am really sorry to hear this very, very sad news. We are thinking of and praying for Gerard’s entire family, and especially his dear wife and children. ‘The Lord is near to the broken-hearted’ Ps 34:18.”
Another commented: “Many great memories of Gerard wearing the green and gold of Pearse Og.”
One former teammate said: “Hard to take in, shared a short time playing with Gerard when came onto the senior team at Pearse Ogs at young age, was always a player I looked up to in my younger years and a real gentleman on and off the pitch.”
“Absolutely devastating to hear of the loss of Gerard “Hank” McCoy,” wrote another friend. “To say Hank was a great friend is an understatement — he was so much more than that to his family and friends. He was part of a strong bond of people and he was truly the beating heart of it all.”
His funeral arrangements are to follow.
