The late Coleman Dunne A loyal son of Danesfort parish smiled down on his three grandsons as they raised the All-Ireland Junior Hurling Final Cup at Croke Park. Eighty-four years old Coleman Dunne passed away surrounded by his family at his home at Church Hill, cuffesgrange. The following day three of his grandsons Thomas Dunne, Aaron Dunne and Ritchie Devane donned the black and amber jersey and were part of the victorious Danesfort team. Midfielder Thomas Dunne told the team in the dressing room minutes before the throw in that they would win the match for his grandad. The team lived up to their promise and 70 minutes later they had secured a memorable and comprehensive victory. It was a day of mixed emotions for many Danesfort supporters and a minute's silence was held in Croke Park in Coly's memory. The avid GAA man was buried in his beloved Danesfort jersey which is sponsored by his sons Richard and Anthony who own R&A Granite. The Liverpool supporter was brought out of the church to his final resting to the Merseyside anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. Coly was a well known character who had been counting the days down to Danesfort's big match. "He just loved Danesfort. He was born and reared in Cuffesgrange and played with Young Emmets in his younger days. When Anthony (his son) brought him in his cup of tea Dad told him he was delighted that it was the start of the All-Ireland week", his daughter Helen told the Kilkenny People. She remembered her father as the rock and safety net in her family. "He was very witty and had a great sense of humour. He didn't put anybody in or out and was a great family man. He also loved his fag and pint of Guinness," Helen recalled. However Coly suffered a great deal of tragedy in his life and was an inspiration to those who knew him. In 1987 he buried his son Des at the age of 24. Des who hurled with Kilkenny and had two All-Ireland medals died in a tragic accident. Then in 2000 his beloved wife, Eileen died suddenly. He also buried his daughter Ursula in 2001and his dear daughter-in-law Kathleen in 2006. "He was a real shoulder for us to lean on and taught us how to carry on with life," remembered Helen. Coleman is survived by his daughters Ann and Helen, sons Richard, Tommy and Anthony, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a wide circle of friends. Coleman was pre-deceased by his wife Eileen, daughter Ursula and son Des. Courtesy of the Kilkenny People 16 March 2007 Tweet

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