Gerard McCoy lived in Waterville in Co Kerry with his family, but was originally from the Woodford area of Armagh.
He passed away on November 1 while abroad in Lanzarote – one of the Canary islands.
A death notice for the man said he would be “missed by his loving wife Hazel and his adored children Grace, Chloe and Jamie”.
It added that he would be remembered by: “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.”
Meanwhile, widespread tributes were paid on social media, including from his local Armagh GAA club, Pearse Óg, who paid tribute online.
“The 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.”
Some of Gerard’s former team mates also paid tribute to him, one stating, “Hard to take in, shared a short time playing with Gerald when he came onto the senior team at Pearse Ogs at [a] young age.
“[He] was always a player I looked up to in my younger years and a real gentleman on and off the pitch.”
Another player remembered Gerard fondly.
“Very saddened to hear this terrible news. Many great memories of him wearing the green and gold of Pearse Og,” he said.
“Praying for him, and all his family and friends at this difficult time.”
News Catch Up – Wednesday 5 November
Another friend described the loss as “devastating”.
“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,” they said.
The death notice said funeral details for Mr McCoy would “follow later”.