Roscommon and Galway unite to mourn an ‘outstanding club volunteer and a true gentleman’
The late Frank Coyne has been remembered as an "outstanding volunteer".
The Roscommon and Galway GAA communities have united to pay tribute to the late Frank Coyne of Ballygar and formerly of Dysart, remembering him as an “outstanding club volunteer and a true gentleman”.
At the time of his passing, he served as the Galway GAA County Committee Delegate for his beloved club, St. Brendan’s (Newbridge-Ballygar).
He also holds a special place in the annals of St. Aidan’s GAA Club in South Roscommon. The Ballyforan-based club recalled that he was a member of its 1975 championship-winning team, as well as serving on club committees over the years.
“Frank was an outstanding club volunteer and a true gentleman,” said St. Aidan’s on Facebook.
“Up until recently, he served as a steward in both Roscommon and Galway and worked with the Roscommon County History Committee. He was also an excellent referee and was always prepared to help when called upon.
“He enjoyed a great reunion earlier this year when his championship-winning team was honoured at our dinner dance.
“He will be greatly missed by his many friends near and far.”
St. Brendan’s GAA Club recalled that “club legend”, the late Frank Coyne, served as a player, manager, referee, county committee delegate, and also served on the lotto committee. He was a former club treasurer and served as the first treasurer of the new pitch committee.
“He was a great supporter of our club teams and was a former player himself, having previously played for St. Aidan’s in Roscommon. He was also a dedicated Galway supporter.
“He volunteered with the county board and would regularly be seen at a match gate, handing out programmes or doing steward at matches. He was one of those familiar faces people would see when going to a Galway match.
“Frank is a huge loss to both St. Brendan’s GAA and our local community,” concluded the statement from the East Galway club.
Galway GAA highlighted that the late Frank Coyne was stepped in the GAA.
“Frank was a constant and passionate supporter at all games supporting both club and county. Over the years he served his club as a player, manager, referee and dedicated administrator.
"He served Galway GAA with tireless devotion in many roles: refereeing, delegate, stewarding around the grounds and selling programmes with a smile and a warm chat for everyone he met.
“Frank was always on hand, always working, and always ready to help. He was also known and respected among GAA historians and collectors as a passionate archivist of the game, always willing to share his extensive knowledge of GAA programmes and memorabilia.”
Galway’s statement went on to say that the late Frank Coyne’s loss would be widely felt by his beloved family, his GAA colleagues, his former comrades in the Irish Defence Forces, his neighbours and the communities of Ballygar, Newbridge and the surrounding areas.
Predeceased by his parents Tom and Mary and his uncle Joe Delaney (Drinane), the late Frank Coyne was the dearly loved husband of Geraldine and cherished father of Lisa (Molloy, Tullamore), Joanne (Dublin) and Thomas (Killfenora).
He will be sadly missed by his loving family, son-in-law Justin, daughter-in-law Leanne, his adored grandchildren Devin, Millie, T.J. and Jack, sister Mary (Keegan, Creggs), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives, former colleagues in the Irish Defence Forces, neighbours and many friends.
Reposing at Moran’s Funeral Home, Ballygar (F42 K443) on Tuesday evening from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m..
Removal from his residence on Wednesday morning to St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar (F42 YD83) for Funeral Mass at 12 noon followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
May he Rest In Peace.
