Community bid farewell to much-loved Kilkenny woman

The death of Lil Coogan at her beloved 'Andorra on the Kilkenny Road truly marks the end of an era. In her 97th year Lil epitomised the virtues of kindness, generosity and compassion all through her long life.

Formerly of Uskerty, Coon together with her late husband Willie they were prominent business people in the town from the 1960s. Initially they were proprietors of a restaurant and bed & breakfast on Kilkenny Street before purchasing the Avalon Inn. Through their investment, they put the town firmly on the tourist and hospitality market with the blossoming of the Avalon House Hotel. Willie and Lil also pioneered the famous chip van on the Square and ran a successful minibus service.

Behind every good man is a great woman and Lil immersed herself into the various businesses hands on. She was a steady influence with her unique talent and ability to get the best out of everyone she either worked with or served. Of late mobility was a challenge but she persevered and was a familiar sight on her motorised scooter. Lil took immense pride in her family and encouraged them at every opportunity.

The large turnout for the obsequies was testimony of the high regard in which the family is held across North Kilkenny and beyond. Burial was in the Parish Cemetery after Requiem Mass, which was celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Conception by Fr Ian Doyle, Kiltown, assisted by Fr Richard Scriven, PP Castlecomer; Fr Larry Wallace, PP Muckalee; Fr Willie Hennessy, PP Conahy; Mons Michael Ryan, PE St John’s, Kilkenny.

Lil is survived by her sons Micheál, Seamus, Billy and John; daughters Caroline and Lillian; sister Maggie (Chicago); brother Jimmy (Tullaroan); daughters-in-law Mary, Eithna, Uli, Naoise; sons-in-law Pat and Jimmy; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; other relatives and a host of friends.