Mayo man was leading figure in US medicine
The late Vinny Coyle was born in Castlebar.
The death has taken place in the United States of a Mayo man who was a leading figure in medicine and athletics.
Dr John 'Vinny' Coyle, formerly of Chapel Street, Castlebar, and Ballyheane, passed away in Boston at the age of 91.
He attended St Gerald's College in Castlebar, where he excelled academically and athletically. Upon graduating, he emigrated to Philadelphia to study at the University of Pennsylvania. One of his professors saw his aptitude for science and encouraged him to return to Ireland to take up medicine.
He was awarded a scholarship to pursue his medical degree at the Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI).
It was during this time that he met Deirdre McGrath. Together they built a happy, joyful life for themselves and their children - MaryEllen Browne, Deirdre Coyle, Catherine Coyle Fross, and John Coyle - across Ireland, Boston, Cape Cod, Naples, Florida, and beyond.
Upon graduation, he returned to the United States to complete his medical residency, training at the Lahey Clinic and Boston City Hospital.
In 1972, he became the youngest physician ever appointed Chief of Medicine at Quigley Memorial Hospital. He also served as Director of Medical Education and was appointed a clinical professor at Harvard Medical School and Tufts School of Medicine, while holding teaching roles at St Elizabeth's Hospital and the New England Medical Centre.
He expanded his medical expertise into insurance medicine, taking a position as Medical Director at Sun Life of Canada Insurance. In 1991, he fully transitioned into the insurance industry, becoming a Vice President at Sun Life, where he remained until his retirement.
Retirement allowed Vinny an opportunity to pursue more of his passions, most notably his role with the Boston Athletic Association (BAA). He first became involved with the organisation in 1973, was appointed to the Board of Governors in 1984, served as president from 2000 to 2004, and later became an Emeritus Board member.
He travelled widely to marathons around the world, championed programmes for urban youth runners and American Olympic hopefuls and played a key role in developing the marathon's renowned medical services. During the tragic Boston Marathon bombing, Vinny jumped into action to triage the injured and provide care that directly saved lives.
In 2003, he was honored with the prestigious RCSI Distinguished Graduate Award.
