Father Peter Francis Coyle, a priest from Loughmacrory in Tyrone, died on Thursday, February 19, aged 93. His funeral Mass took place on Sunday at St Patrick’s Church in Kiltegan, followed by burial in the Society Cemetery.

Born on November 12, 1931, in Barley Hill, Loughmacrory, to Michael and Catherine Coyle, he was educated locally and at St Patrick’s College, Armagh. He joined the Society’s Spiritual Year in Kiltegan in 1949, completed studies in Cork and Kiltegan, and was ordained in 1957.

Fr Coyle served in dioceses of Calabar and Ikot Ekpene in Nigeria until the Biafran War in 1967 prompted his return to Ireland. He then studied building construction at the College of Technology in Belfast and London.

Appointed to Nakuru diocese in Kenya in 1970, he oversaw construction of churches, presbyteries, convents, hospitals, schools, and a cathedral. He designed an octagonal church inspired by African huts and delivered materials for a church in Turkana.

Earlier, Fr Coyle redesigned a 60x30 handball alley and hall in Loughmacrory. He expressed pride in Loughmacrory's County Championship win last year.

He is predeceased by his parents and brothers, and is survived by extended family, friends, and his Society family.