Coleman, Joseph Kieran
January 22, 2011
Kieran Joseph Coleman
Joe Coleman came to Britain in the 1960's but Ireland was never far from his heart. Mr Coleman, originally from Shannonbridge in Co. Offaly, had an immense passion for GAA. He played football and went on to become a founding member and first chairperson of John F Kennedy's club in Yorkshire in 1965. He was also the honoury vice-president of JFK's youth section - a position he held until his death. Although he had spent over 50 years in England, Mr Coleman was an annual visitor to Ireland and retained a great interest in his native parish and GAA teams. Up until last year he was to be seen at all JFK club underage and senior games as well as other Yorkshire underage games. He was one of four brothers that lined out for JFK when they won the Yorkshire Senior Football Championship in 1969. His sporting philosophy was that winning wasn't everything - taking part and playing the game was the main thing. Long time friend Joe Boyle described him as a great man who never forgot his roots. "He always had the Irish radio on - listening to Radio Eireann and the Gaelic games. His soul and body might have been in England but his heart was always in Ireland. Anyone that met Joe wouldn't forget him, he was very witty and he had many friends." Mr Coleman, who worked for 30 years at KPH plant hire in Batley, was a keen gardener an enjoyed spending time outside in his garden and greenhouse. He was also a founder member of the Leeds Irish Centre in 1970. Last March he travelled back to Navan. Co. Meath for his brother's funeral where unfortunately he became ill himself. He died peacefully at the age of 79, following a long illness, at Leeds General infirmary on St Stephen's day. He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife Mary and son Philip, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends.
Courtesy of the Irish Post 22/1/11
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