The Late John Coughlan A week before Christmas the death occurred of John Coughlan, Bellhill, Clareen, the President of Seir Kieran GAA Club. The news of his passing occasioned great sadness far beyond Seir Kieran but also a deep appreciation and affection for a legacy that will never grow old. John was born less than a year after the Easter Rising and the utter transformation of Ireland over the next 90 years would owe everything to the quiet determination of countless citizens like him. John was 18 years old when the untimely passing of his father, a farmer, made him, along with his mother, the main providers for his eight younger brothers and sisters. He saw this task through with thoroughness and dedication, before marrying his life's companion Mary (nee Guinan, RIP), with whom he raised two girls and six boys. One of John's great passions was his love of sport, especialIy hurling. He started his hurling career with Seir Kieran juveniles in 1930 and a call up to the Offaly Minors followed in 1931 when the 'cool, calculating' goalkeeper had just turned 14. John was the last survivor of the great Seir Kieran teams of the 1930s, which won out the Offaly Intermediate Championship of 1938. The County Final also doubled up as the long delayed Junior final of 1937, so two titles were annexed in the one hour's hurling on an emotional evening in Tullamore. Seir Kieran consolidated with an epic march to the 1939 Senior Final, during which John's extraction of scoring opportunities from nothing was truly a sight to see. He was as fair and sportsmanlike as he was crafty and tough. Ever afterwards, the first words used by opponents when describing John was a 'gentleman'. John was the sole Seir Kieran representative in Offaly's senior campaigns of 1940 and 1944. He was 30 when he captained Seir Kieran to the 1940 Intermediate title. In this he followed his father, Edward (Junior captain of 1912) and was in turn emulated by four of his sons at Senior grade (twice victoriously) as well as his grandson at minor grade in 2005 The frightening emigration rates of the 1950's threatened the survival of the Seir Kieran GAA Club, and John played a vital role in lifting it up again. When Seir Kieran briefly amalgamated with Kinnitty for the 1956 Intermediate campaign, John played at half forward and deployed all his craft in helping to secure victory with 'St. Flannans.' He won his last medal in 1958 when Seir Kieran won the Junior Championship and played his last game for the club in 1962. In future years he played no less vital a role on the Club's Officer Board, to which he was elected President in 1991. John's service to the county during hurling's wilderness years likewise received due recognition at the turn of the Millennium, when he and Mary were honoured at a 'Sean Gael' award ceremony in Tullamore. In his work on behalf of the Fine Gael Party in Laois-Offaly, he was as unswerving as he was in all his other allegiances. Farming was also an abiding passion for John. Apart from it being his livelihood, he had a great love for the land and working close with nature. Shooting for game around his beloved Bellhill was like- wise a lifelong passion. John also read widely and deeply closely followed a wide variety of sports, and enjoyed a game of cards with friends and neighbours. He steered his mixed farming enterprise from the 1930's through the vagaries of changing market conditions and EEC regulations, to the 1980's when he handed on to the next generation. John's deep Christianity was practically applied through his willing help for others, in ways he rarely spoke about. Nor had he many words to say, when the Sean Robbins and Liam McCarthy Cups were hoisted in Clareen at long last, about the great pride and joy he felt. Taciturn also about the myriad achievements of his sons and daughters, his faith in them and love for them was a constant in all their lives. During the difficult years after his wife's death, this love was returned in full measure. John bore his debility with his trademark patience and fortitude. On Tuesday, December 18th, at his son and daughter-in-law's home in Bellhill, he passed away. John is survived by his daughters Bemadette and Carmel, his sons Brendan, Sean, Eugene, Michael, Noel and Liam his sisters Gertie(Mrs Spain) and Maura (Mrs Field), daughters-in-law, sons in-law, sisters in law, brother-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends, to all of whom sincere sympathy is extended. An overflow attendance packed Seir Kieran's Church for both the removal on the Thursday evening and Requiem Mass on Friday, con-celebrated by Fr. Peter Muldowney, PP, Fr. Michael O'Meara (Kinnitty) and Fr. Michael Reddan (Birr). Guards of Honour were provided by representatives of the Seir Kieran GAA Club, the Fine Gael Party and An Garda Siochana. The coffin was draped with both the black and amber and the green, white and gold jerseys John had worn with such distinction. Burial was to the New Cemetery, where John was laid to rest beside Mary on a clear cold Winter's day. As innumerable anecdotes involving John course through the rivers of our memory, feelings of pride and gratitude mingled with the sadness of the moment. John made us proud to be part of the parish he served so long and so well, man and boy To us he embodied, throughout his 90 years, grace in victory, courage in defeat and sportsmanship come what may. 'God rest you, John, its over now, tonight we'll say a prayer, That you have found the peace you sought on earth while you were there. You left the greatest milestone ever written in our scroll And may God in all his Majesty have mercy on your soul.' Courtesy of the Midland Tribune 23 January 2008 Tweet

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