The late Joe Gilligan The death of Mr Joe Gilligan at hospital on Tuesday January 20 has removed a respected and well-known personality from the Coagh community. Although a native of Ballinderry, Joe spent most of his life in the village, residing at Main Street and Ballinderry Road during his lengthy residence. Aged 87, Joe was predeceased by his wife Christina, thirty four years ago. The deaths of their three young children - Felix, Ann and Catherine - were a tragic blow to their parents in the early years of their marriage. Joe was to face the trauma of a farm accident some years later which resulted in the amputation of a leg. However, he overcame his handicap with an optimistic and cheerful outlook, which was to help him accept and come to terms with other sorrows on his journey through life. A keen GAA supporter, Joe was a founder member of Ogra Colmcille GFC in the parish of Coagh and Drumullan. In earlier years, he was associated with St. Patrick's GFC, Windmill of which his sons were playing members. He loved music and was a great conversationalist, enjoying the banter and camaraderie of social gatherings. Above all, Joe was a family man. Left with nine children following the premature death of his wife, he devoted himself to their welfare. He had 46 grandchildren, 68 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, all of whom will share the tradition of family life established by Joe and Christina as newly weds all those years ago. Sympathy goes out to his sons and daughters - Hugh, Joey, Brendan, Mary Ellen Quinn, Eugene, Gerry, Carmel McDonald, Christina Mullan and Bernadette Kealey. His remains were removed from the home of his daughter, Mary Ellen Quinn's at Cluntoe View, Ardboe to SS Joseph and Malachy's Church, Drumullan on Thursday January 22 for Requiem Mass. Celebrants were Rev. Patrick McGuckin, a cousin of deceased and Rev. Seamus McGinley P.P. Ardboe. Also in attendance were Rev. Brendan McHugh, P.E., Ardboe and Rev. Terence Kelly, P.E., Ballinderry. Family members took part in the Liturgy. Readers were granddaughters Tracy Donnelly and Karen Wright. The Prayers of the Faithful were led by Linda McDonald, Charlene Mullan, Brenda Vallely and Bernice Kealey. Two other grandchildren - Christina McKeown and Sean Gilligan - carried the Offertory gifts to the altar. The beautiful and uplifting music was provided by Roisin McGlinchey and Emmett Hagan. Interment followed in the family plot in the adjoining cemetery. The funeral was largely attended, testifying to the esteem in which the deceased was held. - Courtesy of the Mid Ulster , 29th January 2009 Tweet

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