'Ray's memory will live on through the laughter of children at Tayto Park'
Tributes have poured in for Tayto Park impressario Ray Coyle who passed away last night in his 70th year.
He is survived by his wife Roz, his son Charles who manages Tayto Park and his daughter Natalya, who has represented Ireland at the Olympic Games.
From Ray's native parish, Curraha Notice Board (Facebook) commented: "It is with great sadness we hear of the passing of Ray Coyle. Ray was a gentleman who contributed so much to his parish of Curraha and indeed to the wider community. We offer our condolences to Roz, Charles, Natalya, (siblings) John, Jennifer, Charlotte and all extended family and friends. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. Ray’s memory will live on through the laughter of children at Tayto Park."
Ashbourne Chamber said Ray had always been a great supporter of the Chamber and created so many employment opportunities in the town. "Our thoughts are with Roz, Charles, Natalya and the extended Coyle family. He leaves a fantastic legacy."
Cllr David Gilroy of Discover Boyne Valley paid tribute to the indomitable spirit of Ray Coyle. "Ray was an enormous influence on everyone within the Boyne Valley and beyond. With his friendliness, ambition and ability to deliver big he has always been a role model for me personally and many others. He leaves an enormous legacy for us in our great county. He’ll be missed."
Former Meath Co Council Director of Services Kevin Stewart said: "So sad to hear this news. A privilege to know this wonderfully talented and inspirational man. He followed his dream...May he rest in peace."
Ashbourne Cllr Ashbourne Alan Tobin said: "He put Ashbourne and the area on the map. It's one of those days where the town is in disbelief. It's hard to sink in as Ray was such an energetic man who was always driving things forward. He always had such a huge presence and did so much to help other businesses here."
Minister Helen McEntee said she was saddened to hear of the passing of Raymond Coyle.
"I want to pay tribute to Ray and to his massive contribution to tourism, to farming and food production, as an innovator and job creator, and to community life in county Meath. As a former sponsor of Meath GAA, sponsor of Curraha GFC and patron of athletics, his contribution spanned far and wide.
"Raymond created many many jobs in Meath, and he leaves an enduring legacy in many fields. He will be missed by family, friends and his many colleagues. May he rest in peace".
The funeral notice for Ray Coyle reads:
Raymond, Peacefully with his family in the wonderful care of the staff of the Mater Hospital, in his 70th year. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his devoted wife Rosamond, children Charles and Natalya, son-in-law Arthur, his brother John, sisters Jennifer and Charlotte and by his nieces and nephews Robert, Valerie, Stephen, Elaine, John, Aisling, Aoife, Fiona and his extended family and friends. Raymond will be fondly remembered by many.
Funeral Arrangements Later.