TRIBUTES have been paid after a much loved GAA player who was found dead in the early hours of New Year's day.
Michael McConville, who played for Armagh club side Clann Eireann, died suddenly and his body was discovered on North Circular Road, on the outskirts of Lurgan's Kilwilkee estate.
Police have said that a crime is not suspected.
His grieving partner Emma McDonald shard a picture of him with their children on her Facebook page.
A former cup and medal winner at county level, Mr McConville coached and trained GAA youth teams.
Upper Bann assembly member Dolores Kelly said the town was in shock - particularly those who had joined him at a coaching session a short time before he died.
"Everybody in the community is devastated," she said.
"He was a very popular young man. He worked in the education department at the Southern Trust. He had a good job and good prospects, he was a father and in a strong relationship. He had everything to live for. It is just a travesty."
The SDLP representative said he had given an enormous amount to his fellow citizens.
"He was making a commitment to the life of the local community through his GAA coaching. He was very, very well thought of, as you can see from all the tributes on Facebook.
"People are devastated by his loss."
A former pupil of St Michael's Junior High, Lurgan, hundreds of friends and well-wishers have flooded social media sites related to the club and family with tributes.
Among the wider GAA family paying tribute was Armagh GAA, which sent "deepest condolences to his family, friends & to @ClannEireann1", along with a picture of Mr McConville playing for his club.
Dozens of fellow clubs also posted tributes.
On Facebook, Daniel O'Toole wrote: "Can't get my head round it Micky always had the biggest smile on his face and would never off passed you in the street RIP Michael thought and prayers are with Emma and the family."
A post mortem examination was being carried out to establish the cause of Mr McConville's death.
Preliminary results are expected later this week.
