Charlie Coen died peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, 31st July 2011. He was in his 90th year. Behind this stark statement lies the rich story of a life lived to the full, the story of a man who was an extraordinary individual and one of the finest gentlemen I had the pleasure of knowing.

Many words have been used to describe Charlie Coen, but the most often used is that 'he was a true gentleman' - with the emphasis on the 'gentle' - and one of 'the nicest men you could ever meet.'
Charlie faced up to many a battle in his life, especially with the untimely loss of his two sons Liam, aged 15, and Cathal aged 42, but those of us who saw him face his greatest battle at the end will remember his bravery, faith and courage. Even though he was approaching his 90th birthday he refused to give in, always looking to the future.

Charlie brought a dignity and humanity to everything he did. He treated young and old alike with respect, and had time for everyone. He could bring life to any conversation with his quick retorts, marvellous wit and story-telling. He was always a source of entertainment and fun. Charlie became a familiar face at football matches, ploughing competitions and anywhere family members were involved. He was always willing to give advice to young ploughing competitors even if they were in direct opposition to his own family. He loved to offer guidance to young people.

Charlie was born on 8th October 1921, the second eldest son to Martin (Murt) and Mary Coen (nee Nolan). He had two brothers, John P. and Martin who predeceased him, and one sister, Sarah Burke,Gortroe. He lived all his life in Kilgill and Currandrum. He lost his mother when he was 4 years old.

On October 27th, 1954 he married Annie Glennane and they had five children, Gerard, Liam, Cathal, Ann Marie and Margaret.
Charlie was the Postmaster of Currandrum Post Office for many years and together with Annie they also ran the local shop. In the Post Office and Shop he had a great rapport with all his customers. While he loved to have the last word he always modestly deflected tributes away from himself and onto his family. He worked for many years in the Connacht Laundry and regealed many of us with his stories about trying to climb the Curlew Mountains on a frosty night.

Charlie made an immense contribution to the sporting life of the parish of Annaghdown. He served as secretary, vice-chairman and President of the GAA club for a number of years. During this time he was instrumental along with Rickie Burke (RIP) in getting the present playing facilities in Cregg from the Land Commission. He was also actively involved in the Ladies Football Club and was President at the time of his death. The other great sport in his life was the Corrandulla and Galway Ploughing Associations.

He was an active participant in ploughing competitions and later acted as a judge and mentor to many young ploughing people particularly to his son Cathal (RIP) and grandson Cathal Og. His knowledge of ploughing was highly valued. Charlie was a lifelong member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association. He loved to visit Lourdes with the Association on their annual pilgrimage. Ever the joker, he was known to jump from his wheelchair and proclaim himself to be cured.

As a young man Charlie was one of the few people to own a motor car. He was the hackney that took many an emigrant to Cobh, leaving the parish to go to the United Stated. He witnessed many a sad parting in Cobh, but he was also there on the joyous occasions when they returned home to be re-united with their loved ones. He also took people to Rineanna before it became known as Shannon Airport. He was always central to goings and comings in the parish.
He also had a lorry and is best remembered for transporting the sugar beet to Tuam Beet Factory and ensuring it was delivered in time for all the farmers to have a cheque for the Christmas.

Charlie was a person of immense faith and he loved the family rosary. With his wife Annie they recited the rosary every night and during Lent and in the months of May and November they were joined by their neighbours in their home. He got tremendous consolation and comfort from reciting the rosary. Charlie was very close to nature and those who are close to nature are close to God.

Most people would say of Charlie Coen "You'll never meet a nicer man." His kindness and smile will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Every so often we meet someone in life who leaves a lasting impression on us. Such a person was Charlie Coen. He did many things in his life that may seem insignificant to many people but as Mother Teresa said "We can do no great things, only small things with great love."

Right now I'm in a different place
And though we seem apart
I'm closer than I ever was
I'm there inside your heart

Charlie is survived by his beloved wife Annie, his son Gerard, his daughters Ann Marie and Margaret, his sister Sarah, his daughters-in-law Una and Martina, his sons-in-law Gerry and John, his grandchildren Edel, Kevin and his wife Marie, Amy, Jody, Hannah, Aoife, Niamh, Cathal Og, Sinead, Cormac and Aisling; his great grandchildren Jamie, Leah and Callum, his sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

-Courtesy of Tuam Herald, 8th September 2011 Tweet

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