Emlyn Bratton died after short battle with cancer

Letterkenny dentist and former Armagh GAA minor footballer Emlyn Bratton has died after a short illness.

The 42-year-old father of two young children died on Thursday (16 June) and was buried on Father’s Day (19 June).

A statement on his dental practice’s Facebook page, Emlyn Bratton Dental Studio, said: “It is with great sadness that we have lost a true friend and colleague to cancer today. Dr Emlyn Bratton passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a short illness. May he rest in peace. Thank you for all of your kind messages and thoughts throughout this difficult time. The practice will remain closed until Monday 27th June.”

Emlyn was a member of Armagh’s 1992 minor football team who were beaten by Meath in the All Ireland Minor Final. A statement on the Armagh GAA Facebook page said: “Armagh GAA is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Emlyn Bratton, a member of our 1992 minor football team. We extend deepest sympathies to Emlyn’s family at this sad time.”

Emlyn is survived by his wife Clara and children Ethan and Ava. His sister Mealla Campbell is an SDLP councillor in Armagh. Her party colleague Justin McNulty, himself a former Armagh player, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Emlyn’s loving wife, young children and large extended family. My heartfelt sympathies to my friend and colleague Mealla Campbell.

“Emlyn was a nephew of the great Jack Bratton of the 1953 team. I played with Emlyn, a tenacious corner back on the Armagh minor team, who were cruelly defeated by Meath in the All Ireland Minor Final in 1992. He was a great club player with Armagh Harps and went on to be a distinguished dentist in Derry.”