Tributes pour in for 'wonderful' Irish dad who died suddenly on holiday in Spain
Gerard McCoy passed away suddenly in Lanzarote last weekendA community has been left devastated following the unexpected passing of a "lovely and kind" Irish father while holidaying in Spain last weekend.Gerard 'Ger' McCoy, who lived in Waterville in Co Kerry but originally hailed from the Woodford area of Co Armagh, died suddenly last Saturday (November 1). Mr McCoy was enjoying a winter break with his family in Lanzarote - one of the Canary Islands - when the tragedy struck.Mr McCoy's passing has sent ripples of shock through the tight-knit community of his birthplace Woodford, as well as his chosen home of Waterville, with friends, neighbours and acquaintances offering tributes to the enormously well-regarded figure.The young father-of-three was a talented sportsman who featured for the Armagh senior county side and held membership with Pearse Ògs, with the Armagh club honouring their former player and coach, reports the Irish Mirror."Pearse Óg committee and members are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player and youth coach Gerard McCoy," the club said in a statement."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."The social media post was met with an outpouring of support from club members who shared their own tributes to Mr McCoy. "Hard to take in, shared a short time playing with Gerald 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. RIP thoughts goes out to all the family," one individual expressed.Another added: "Absolutely devastating for everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, a real character that will never be forgotten. Thinking of his entire family at this heartbreaking time."Mr McCoy was employed at Hogs Head Golf Club, situated near his home in Waterville, where he made a significant impact on his colleagues and patrons.One mourner paid tribute to the popular figure, saying: "Sincere sympathies to Hazel, Grace, Chloe, Jamie and the Fogarty and McCoy families on Ger's sudden passing. Ger was more than a colleague he was also a great friend who would go over and above for anyone.. Many a chat we had and more often than not it was always about family, sport and looking forward to heading to Lanzarote for the winter. He always had a smile on his face and always looked on the brightside of life. You'll be sadly missed Ger. Thinking of you all at this sad time. RIP."Another individual expressed: "I was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Gerard McCoy. It was a privilege to have known and worked alongside Ger - his warmth, good humour, and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of spending time with him. Please accept my heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. My thoughts are with Hazel, Grace, Chloe, Jamie, and all of Gerard's family and friends. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you, and in the many cherished memories you shared with him. Ger will be fondly remembered and sadly missed."A third person conveyed: "My deepest sympathies to Hazel and all the McCoy family. Ger was an absolute gentleman who adored his family and beamed with pride whenever he spoke about his children. May he rest in peace."A neighbour of Mr McCoy's stated: "All Gerard's family are in my thoughts and prayers at this distressing time. Known Gerard all my life as my neighbour three doors down and childhood friend. The absolute best of craic and not afraid to give a pep talk when needed. Someone our family was very fond of. Many great memories shared with him which I will cherish. Gone too soon. RIP."A customer who knew Mr McMoy from his time at Hoggs Head said: "Gerard was a wonderful gentleman! He caddied for myself and my brother Garry at Hoggs Head for a number of years. He was brilliant at his jobs but more importantly wonderful company. I remember him pointing out his home from the course, which looked absolutely beautiful. He spoke about his family with such love. He was too young and will be missed. I can't imagine the pain the beautiful family must be going through. God bless."Another patron remarked: "Shocked and saddened by the news of Gerry's passing. I had the honor of sharing Gerry's quick wit, warmth and honesty while on the golf course at Hogs Head. He always had a positivity about him that lifted those around him. My deepest condolences and sympathies to both families. May he rest in peace."Meanwhile, a former schoolmate of Mr McCoy's from his time attending St Patrick's High School in Keady remarked: "I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Gerard. I had the privilege of attending Keady High School with him, and he was always such a lovely, kind, and genuinely good person to everyone. His warmth and gentle nature left a lasting impression on all who knew him."A heartfelt tribute has been paid to Mr McCoy on RIP.ie by his family, stating he "will be sadly missed by his 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."It is anticipated that Mr McCoy's remains will be brought back to Ireland in the coming days, with funeral arrangements yet to be confirmed.Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. 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