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Mark Lyons tributes paid as former player, 41, passes away days after club's finest hour
Tributes have poured in following the untimely death of Mark Lyons, 41, a former player with Erne Gaels.
The Fermanagh county champions have been stunned by the news of his passing just days after his younger brother Ryan captained the team to a replay win over Enniskillen Gaels in the county final.
Their meeting with Scotstown in the Ulster Club SFC, which was due to be played in Sunday in Brewster Park, has been postponed until next Saturday as the Belleek community come to terms with their loss.
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Mark, a carpenter by trade, passed away on Tuesday following a short illness. He had been living in Plymouth having previously played both football and hurling for Belleek.
He won an Intermediate Football title with the club in 2008 and played in the 2016 Fermanagh SFC with Erne Gaels narrowly losing out to Derrygonnelly.
In a statement posted on their Facebook page, Erne Gaels said they were devastated to learn of Mark’s passing just says after his brother Ryan brought the New York Cup back to the club for the first time since 1981.
“It's with great sadness that we learnt of the unexpected passing of one of our past players Mark Lyons,” the statement read.
“A bittersweet few days for our club with Mark's younger brother Ryan lifting the New York Cup last Saturday evening for us now to be heartbroken for the Lyons family on the passing of Mark.
“Mark known to many of us as Big Nuggets played football with the club for many years- youth and senior.
“A great supporter when he was away but always enjoyed dawning the black and amber jersey when he could- eventful and joyful.
“No doubt plenty of stories and memories of Mark will be spoke about over the coming days but for now we keep Mark's devastated family and friends in our thoughts and prayers for the tough days and weeks ahead. Rest Easy Big Nuggets.”
A statement from Fermanagh GAA read: “Fermanagh GAA are sorry to hear the sudden death of former Erne Gaels player Mark Lyons, brother of our County Senior Footballer and Erne Gaels Captain Ryan.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lyons family at this sad time.”
Scotstown, who will play Belleek in the Ulster Club Championship next weekend, posted: “Scotstown GAA would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mark Lyons and all those in Erne Gaels Belleek where Mark played football and whose younger brother Ryan is the current captain of the senior team.”
Mark is survived by his two children Adam (19) and Sofia (11), his parents Dermot and Margaret, brothers Shane, Damian and Ryan and sisters Charlene and Margaret.
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