FERMANAGH GAA is in mourning after the untimely death of popular former footballer Mark Lyons at the age of 41.He was the older brother of current Ernesiders captain Ryan.3 Dad of two Mark in his playing days with the club Credit: @Erne Gaels Belleek3 On Wednesday the club shared the sad news of his death the day previous Credit: @Erne Gaels Belleek3 His younger brother Ryan captains the Fermanagh county teamIn a cruel twist of fate, Mark's death comes only days after Ryan captained their club to a county title.On Sunday Ryan led Erne Gaels to victory over Enniskillen Gaels at the second attempt in a county decider replay.However, that joyful feat has been overshadowed with the news that Mark passed away on Tuesday.Belfast Live report that a brief illness was his cause of death.In a show of respect to the Lyons family, the forthcoming Ulster Championship clash between Erne Gaels and Monaghan kingpins Scotstown has been delayed a week.Mark had been based in Plymouth, England for several years but had previously lined out with distinction for his club.Erne Gaels reflected on how their first county title in 43 years was now tinged in deep sadness.A club statement read: "It's with great sadness that we learnt of the unexpected passing of one of our past players Mark Lyons."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.Mayo GAA veteran Aidan O'Shea gives his take on new Gaelic football rules"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."FURTHER TRIBUTESFermanagh GAA added to the tributes with a statement of its own.It emphasized: "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, now set to face the Belleek outfit on Saturday November 17, similarly issued a statement in solidarity with their upcoming opponents.The club wrote: "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."
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