Micheál Coyne

Micheál Coyne, An Fhairche, An Cabhar, An Mám, Co na Gaillimhe (1940-2008). The sad and untimely death of Micheál Coyne (68), Carrakahin, An Fhairche (formerly of Curr, Maam), Co Galway, took place in the Regional University Hospital, Galway, on July 7, 2008, as a result of a long and severe illness. Micheál was the son of the late Tommie and Babbie (nee King) Coyne of Curr, Co Galway. In 1970, he married Áine Ní Neachtain from Cámus Íochtar, Co na Gaillimhe.

In the course of his working life, Micheál Coyne took care of his family farm and displayed great skill and interest in the raising of cattle and sheep. At times, he took conacre in the Clonbur-Neale area. During the early 1960s, he worked in England for four years and stayed with his late Aunt Bridgie near London. On return to Curr, he took work in the Maam Cross Seaweed Factory, with the Forestry and with Galway County council. These jobs were in addition to work on the family farm. After his marriage to Áine Ní Neachtain, they both took care of Micheál’s parents and Áine’s mother as they advanced in years. In the year 2000, Micheál and Áine moved from Curr to An Fhairche (Clonbur), where Micheál had had conacre for the raising of cattle. Micheál was a familiar figure at marts and fairs. Ill health had hampered Micheál Coyne’s ability to work for a number of years. Nevertheless, he maintained a keen interest in the rearing of livestock.

He and Áine were very good neighbours to senior citizens in their neighbourhood. They were also very popular with youth and middle-aged friends and relatives. Micheál was an avid reader of daily newspapers and of The Mayo News (a copy of which was brought to the altar at the Mass) in particular. He also enjoyed books and reports. With Áine and his parents, Tommie and Babbie, Micheál played a very central role in the revival of the Máméan Pilgrimage in 1979. The shrine was close to the commonage of the Coyne farm in Curr on the northside of Ben Mhairg (one of the Maamturk peaks).

The number of people who visited Micheál during his final illness in hospital reflected the esteem in which he was held among his extended family, neighbours and friends. Very large congregations turned out for his wake, removal, Mass and burial. Micheál’s remains were buried in the Coyne family grave in Na Braonáin Cemetery.

The concelebrants at Micheál Coyne’s Requiem Mass in Kilmilkin Church included An tAth Liam O’Reilly, SP An Fhairche; Fr John Kenny, PP Leenane; An tAth Pádraig Considine, SP Rosmuc agus Cámus; Fr Martin Moran, PP of Killanin; An tAth Pádraig Ó Ceallaigh, Corr na Móna; and an tAth Micheál Mac Gréil, SJ (first cousin of Micheál), who was chief celebrant.

In the course of his homily, An tAth Mac Gréil paid special tribute to Áine and those who looked after Micheál during his tedious and painful final illness. Sean-nós singer Joe-John Mac an Iomaire rendered ‘An tAiséirí’ during the Mass and also sang at the graveside in recognition of Micheál’s long and loyal support for the Máméan pilgrimage. His neighbour, Jack Hanley, was chief usher at the funeral.

Micheál Coyne is survived by his widow, Áine; his sisters-in-law, Peggy Reynolds (Ballinasloe) and Bridie O’Malley (Boston); his brother-in-law, Micheál Ó Neachtain (Cámus Íochtar); his cousins, nephews and nieces (in-law); his relatives, neighbours and friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.