Northern Ireland

Tributes paid to Co Tyrone golfer following death in Portugal

Mark Doherty (63) became ill while playing golf at Vilamoura in Portugal on Monday. Picture by Letterkenny golf club
Mark Doherty (63) became ill while playing golf at Vilamoura in Portugal on Monday. Picture by Letterkenny golf club Mark Doherty (63) became ill while playing golf at Vilamoura in Portugal on Monday. Picture by Letterkenny golf club

CO Tyrone golfer Mark Doherty has been described as someone who guided his club "as treasurer through difficult years" following his sudden death while playing in Portugal.

Mr Doherty (63), who was part of the Ulster Cup team in 2010, was originally from Strabane but lived in Letterkenny in Co Donegal.

He was one of 12 Letterkenny Golf Club members who travelled to Vilamoura on Sunday and was playing his first round of golf on Monday when he fell ill.

A spokesman for the club said Mr Doherty, who ran an accountancy business, had served on the committee of the club for many years.

"He guided the club in his role as treasurer through difficult years. A minute’s silence was observed at last night’s (Monday’s) committee of management meeting in recognition of his contribution."

He said Mr Doherty had been a regular on the annual Portugal golf trip since it began almost 20 years ago.

“On the field of play, Mark was a quality golfer still playing of a 10 handicap. He won everything that could be won but his greatest satisfaction came in being part of the winning Ulster Cup team in 2010.

“Our thoughts are with Mark’s colleagues, mainly club members, who remain in Portugal and who are shocked and saddened at what has happened,” the spokesman said.