Much-loved centenarian John Coffey laid to rest

MARY O’Rourke has described her father, muchloved Lewis Road centenarian John Coffey, as a man who encountered hard times but always kept moving forward with a positive attitude.

John (100) passed away in the Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee, last Friday following a short illness.

Ms O’Rourke explained to The Kerryman that he had been treated at the hospital for about two weeks, during which time he received excellent care from hospital staff.

She said his religion had helped him through his final days.

“He had great faith, and he had no fear of death,” she said.

“We provided Fr Niall Howard, who said his Funeral Mass, with a copy of the speech he gave at his 100th birthday.

“Fr Howard remarked on how dad’s positive attitude shone through that speech, and it was true. I think he knew what mindfulness was before anyone else did.”

John, who was originally from Beaufort, was interviewed by The Kerryman just three months ago. On that occasion, he shared stories of the Great Famine, passed on to him by his great-grandmother, who herself lived to be a centenarian. He explained that he could remember Free State soldiers passing his house during his childhood.

He also spoke of cycling from Beaufort to West Kerry each month through his work collecting cottage rents. It sparked a life-long love of cycling; he was still cycling two years ago, and after that he continued to use an exercise bike daily.

He moved to Lewis Road, Killarney, in the 1950s through his work in community welfare, but despite living through seven decades just a stone’s throw from Dr Crokes’ pitch, he said he would still choose Beaufort over the black and amber. John was the last surviving member of the Beaufort team that won the 1944 County Junior Championship.

“As I say, despite seeing hard times, he always looked forward with positivity,” Mary said. “And as I go forward, I’ll take his attitude with me.”

John Coffey was laid to rest at Aghadoe Cemetery on Monday, November 2, following his Funeral Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral. He was predeceased by his wife, Kitty O’Shea; and his sons, John Joe and Denis.

He is survived by his daughters, Mary and Noreen; his son, Dermot; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Marie and Catherine; and extended family, neighbours, and friends.

His family has expressed their deep gratitude to the Bon Secours Hospital for its care in John’s final days.

The late John Coffey