Paul Coyle Explained

Code:Football
Sport:Gaelic football
Paul Coyle
Feet:5
Inches:10
Occupation:General manager
Nickname:Coyler
County:Fermanagh
Province:Ulster
Club:Devenish St Mary's
Swatragh
Clcounty:5
Colleges:Ulster University
Sig:1
Counties:Fermanagh
Icposition:Left corner-forward
Icyears:1984–1995
Icprovince:0
Icallireland:0
Nfl:0
Allstars:0
Birth Place:Belleek, Northern Ireland
Death Place:Swatragh, Northern Ireland

Paul Coyle (1967 – 17 June 2024) was a Gaelic footballer and selector from Northern Ireland. At club level he played with Devenish St Mary's and Swatragh and at inter-county level with the Fermanagh senior football team.[1]

Playing career

Coyle first played Gaelic football at juvenile and underage levels with the Devenish St Mary's. After progressing to the club's senior team he went on to win five Fermanagh SFC titles in an 11-year period between 1985 and 1996.[2] He later transferred to the Swatragh club in Derry. Coyle also lined out for Ulster University and was part of a Ryan Cup–Sigerson Cup double in 1987.[3]

At inter-county level, Coyle first played for Fermanagh as a member of the minor team in 1984. He later progressed to the under-21 team but ended his underage career without success. Coyle was still eligible for the minor grade when he made his senior team debut in a National Football League game in 1984. His inter-county career ended in 1995.[4]

Coaching career

Coyle was part of Malachy O'Rourke's management team when he took charge of the Fermanagh senior team in 2007.[5] During his tenure with the team, Fermanagh qualified for their first Ulster SFC final in 26 years but lost to Armagh after a replay.[6]

Death

Coyle died suddenly on 17 June 2024, at the age of 56.[7]

Honours

Ulster University

1987

Devenish St Mary's

1985, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1996

Notes and References

  1. News: Paul Coyle. 18 June 2024. Hogan Stand . 14 May 1993.
  2. News: Bellaghy survive late scare to deny battling Devenish. 18 June 2024. The Irish News. 7 October 1996.
  3. News: UUJ Sigerson reunion for 1986, '87 and '91 squads. 18 June 2024. Hogan Stand . 23 September 2011.
  4. News: Paul Coyle tributes paid following sudden death of ex-county star and Sigerson Cup winner. 20 June 2024. Belfast Live . 18 June 2024.
  5. News: O'Rourke confirmed as Fermanagh boss. 18 June 2024. RTÉ Sport. 16 October 2007.
  6. News: Armagh win Ulster replay. 18 June 2024. Irish Examiner . 27 July 2008.
  7. Web site: 19 June 2024 . Tributes paid to Fermanagh great Paul Coyle after sudden death. 20 June 2024 . Derry Now. en.