Tributes paid to former university student with ‘infectious personality and an energetic sense of fun’

Michael McQuillan,23, who was from Portstewart, died on July 11.

A post on Ulster University Magee Hurling Page told of his colleagues sadness at the news.

“The Magee Hurler’s past and present are deeply saddened, following the sudden death of our past player Micheal McQuillan,” it read.

“A talented player, with great determination, heart and a never give up attitude,” it added.

“Smicko was a friend to everyone, with his infectious personality and an energetic sense of fun.

“Michael will be sorely missed by each and everyone of his teammates and friends.

“We offer our prayers and support to his family at this time”.

And in another post on Eoghan Rua GAA Facebook page tributes were also paid to the young player.

“The Eoghan Rua community is in mourning following the sudden death of our dual player Michael McQuillan,” it read.

“An esteemed, popular and enthusiastic club mate with a great sense of fun, Smicko took a fierce pride in Eoghan Rua, and he was a passionate hurler playing his part in the club’s recent hurling campaigns in Ulster and the All Ireland series,” ir read.

“Michael will be sorely missed by his friends and his club mates. We offer our prayers and support to his family”.

Around 156 tributes have already been posted on the GAA club’s Facebook page.

Tributes on the page include: “So young and too soon. So sorry to hear of the shocking news today!!!

For such a young man, he lived so much and brought the fun and joy into the sport and to our club. A true legend and never will be forgotten- Rest in peace young man !”, Heartbreaking news to receive today. He lived and breathed GAA. A superb personality with a huge smile and the heart of a lion. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP Michael”, “Such a personality and sportsman! Always had a smile on his face and was full of craic. Thoughts and prayers with his family and all his teammates.” and “God bless young Smicko. Feels like yesterday we were having the craic at the lamas. You’ll be sorely missed by all who knew you. You had a love for your friends and life.”

A death insertion in Funeral Times says Michael John McQuillan died on July 11 - and his funeral arrangements will be made known later.

--

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Irish and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit www.newsletter.co.uk now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Thank you,

Alistair Bushe

Editor