Farming and rugby communities among many to fondly remember the late Joe Coulter from Skreen
FRIENDS from the worlds of local rugby and farming are among the many to pay tribute this week to the late Joe Coulter from Carrownree, Skreen, who served as president of Sligo RFC and who also held various posts for Sligo IFA, most notably serving as chairman of the farming organisation in the 1980s.
Mr Coulter passed away on Saturday last, March 16, at North West Hospice in Sligo.
While friends from IFA and Sligo RFC have been loud in their praise for Joe’s contributions to both organisations, others have pointed to his lifelong contributions to his church and his community as equally important facets of his life.
Sligo Rugby Club were fulsome in their tribute to him, describing Joe as a “club legend”.
The tribute stated: “The president, club officers and members of Sligo Rugby are very saddened to hear about the death of past president and club legend Joe Coulter.
“Joe was the epitome of a club and community man, being a club member for over 60 years.
“He will be greatly missed by his many friends in Sligo Rugby Club and throughout rugby clubs in Connacht and beyond, by his friends and colleagues in the IFA, and the community of Skreen.”
Mr Coulter served as president of Sligo RFC in 1986-1987.
Damien Eames, commenting on his passing on the Sligo RFC Facebook page wrote: “He is synonymous with all things Sligo Rugby. Always welcoming, always competitive and always rugby.”
Another, Charlie Donaghy, wrote: “Great club memories of Joe back in the late seventies and early eighties. He was a true gentleman.”
Ciaran Cassidy, writing in the condolence section of RIP.ie, added: “Very sad to hear the loss of a Sligo Rugby Club legend.”
A powerful and articulate advocate and spokesperson for farmers, Joe served as IFA chairman and PRO, and while his term as chair of the organisation dates back almost 40 years, his interest in farming and his links with the IFA were maintained through the years.
Current chairperson of the Sligo branch of the IFA, Michael O’Dowd said Joe’s death has left a profound sadness in the wider Sligo area.
Mr O’Dowd said the members of Sligo IFA were very sad to learn of Joe’s sudden passing. Joe was a very active member of Sligo IFA, a former chairman and PRO.
At a time when farmers were “fairly new” into Europe Joe did a lot of work for farmers from Sligo in his role as IFA chairman.
“It’s a big shock to IFA members, to his family and friends, to the communities of Skreen-Dromard and the wider community to lose a man of the calibre of Joe Coulter.
“He made a very important and significant contribution to the IFA, to his community and indeed was also hugely involved in rugby and is sadly missed by the rugby fraternity at Sligo RFC where he played a major role also.
Despite being involved up to 40 years ago as chairman, Mr O’Dowd noted how Joe had maintained his interest and involvement in IFA affairs.
“Joe’s memory will live on, he was an adviser and advocate for all farmers in Sligo, for those involved in all sectors of farming.
“He was a fighter, and he was held in very high esteem by those he dealt with.
“In terms of issues among those he tackled successfully was the need for quotas for farmers and I recall him leading from the front on that issue for farmers.”
Seamus Cummins, a former secretary for IFA Sligo, offering his sympathy to Joe’s wife and family, paid this tribute: “Deepest sympathy to June and the Coulter family on the passing of Joe. I knew him for over 60 years in IFA and was secretary when he was County Chairman. He was a real gentleman and a pleasure to work with.”
John F Hanley, Roscommon, recalled a warm and fruitful working relationship with Joe when he worked for the IFA: “He was a jolly and gregarious character, full of life, I have fond memories of him back in the day when I worked for IFA in Sligo. Joe was always a ‘go-to’ man who had a deep understanding of farming matters.”
Neil Henry recalled a very specific but invaluable contribution by Joe in resolving issues farmers in Sligo had with Headage payments: “He made a great contribution to IFA, and as Chairman of the Headage action group which won Headage Payments for part-time farmers. He will be sadly missed.”
However, as important as his contributions were to Sligo RFC and the IFA, in his own community in Skreen Joe’s contribution has been highlighted also, several remarking on how involved he was in supporting his community. Rita Ann Burke, commenting on RIP.ie on this aspect of Joe’s many passions and talents, wrote: “Joe was such a great community man. We had many great conversations at the Community Council meetings, and he was such a great supporter of all things good for the parishes of Skreen and Dromard.”
Joe’s funeral service took place yesterday (Wednesday) morning at Skreen Church of Ireland with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Deeply regretted by his loving wife June, sons Jason, James, Mark and Simon, his brother Willie, adored grandchildren Lucy, Ryan, Dara, Rory and Alex, daughters in law Caroline and Ruth, James's partner Charlotte, Simon's partner Claudia, sister-in-law Irene.
May he rest in peace.