A BODY found off the Scottish coast last week has been confirmed as that of a Co Antrim woman who went missing the same day she led her team to victory in the All-Ireland camogie sevens tournament in Dublin.
A major search began after Karen Coyles from Ballycastle disappeared on September 11th.
Lifeboats and a helicopter assisted police and local coast guards in the search, which took place in Ballycastle Harbour and around Rathlin Island.
However, on Saturday night Strathclyde police confirmed a body washed up on the Mull of Kintyre on Thursday was that of the missing 47-year-old. They said the death is not being treated as suspicious.
The alarm was raised when Ms Coyles failed to show up for work at the research institute at the University of Ulster’s campus in Coleraine on September 12th. Her car was later found at the gates of McQuillan’s GAA club in Ballycastle, where she played camogie as a goalkeeper.
She captained her side to success in Dublin on the day of her disappearance.
The deceased’s family have said they are “devastated” by the news and thanked those who participated in the search.
“We are devastated at the loss of a beautiful, talented and beloved daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend but are comforted in the knowledge that Karen is now safe in the arms of her beloved mother and will always and forever be in our hearts,” they said.
“We are eternally grateful to the Community Rescue Service, PSNI, Coast Guard, RNLI Redbay, Dundalk Sub-Aqua Search and Rescue, Mourne Underwater Search Team, Erne Search and Recovery Team, Ulster Seaplane Association and local boatowners who were relentless in their endeavours to find Karen.
“There are no words adequate to express our gratitude to McQuillan’s GAA Club, which opened its doors providing a safe haven, comfort and sustenance to family, friends and searchers.”
Prof Hugh McKenna of the University of Ulster said the institution was “saddened and shocked” to hear of Ms Coyles’s death.
“She was a highly valued, popular and respected member of staff who made an excellent contribution to the work of the School of Biomedical Sciences Research Institute.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Karen’s family at this tragic time.”
Ms Coyles’s body is expected to be brought home to Northern Ireland this week.