The police in the Algarve region of Portugal are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Derry businessman whose body was found near the fishing village of Alvor in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Paul Houston (51) was on holiday in the Algarve with is wife Celine and friends Philip and Marian Devlin from Derry. He was the current president and a former captain of Greencastle Golf Club in Co Donegal. The course was closed today following news of the tragedy and the club’s flag was flown at half mast.
Mr Houston, a father of four and a grandfather, was the second generation owner of Houston’s shoe shop at Strand Road in Derry. He had moved with his family from Derry to Greencastle several years ago.
He traditionally holidayed in Portugal with friends during early September.
It’s believed Mr Houston’s body was found lying on a riverside walkway in Alvor by police officers following ‘phone calls from members of the public to local police. Hours before his body was found, Mr Houston and his wife and friends had been out for a meal followed by a karaoke in Alvor. His wife Celine and their friends retired early but Mr. Houston stayed on at the karaoke. He was reported missing by his wife after he failed to return to their accommodation.
Members of Mr Houston’s family were due to fly out to Portugal today as the local coroner’s office waited on a court instruction in relation to an autopsy.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Foreign Affairs did not identify the deceased. She said, however, the embassy in Portugal was aware of the matter and was providng consular assistance to the family.
Manager of Greencastle Golf Club Billy McCaul said: “The members still can’t believe it. This club is like a big family and Paul lived and breathed for the club. He was the life and soul of the place and as president he always made a point of seeking out visitors and welcoming them. When he was appointed club captain in 1995, he was the youngest captain in the history of the club such was the esteem then and today in which Paul was held."
Mr Houston, who is survived by his wife Celine and by their adult children David, Christopher, Amy and Tom, was also a personal friend of SDLP leader Mark Durkan.
“This is an utter tragedy for Celine and the children and for the many many friends of Paul. He was a wonderful fellow and part of a great family. Anyone who knew him considered themselves to a a friend of Paul, that was the nature of the guy. He was a warm, infectious man who was always very engaging with people and he was chuffed when he recently became a grandfather. Any assistance I or my office can offer to Paul’s family will be given to them”, Mr Durkan said.