The late Frank Coughlan The death took place of Frank Coughlan, Cappaveha, Kilconnell, Ballinasloe, and late of Balfe Road East, Walkinstown, Dublin 12. He was a native of Cappagh, Kilconnell, where he spent his childhood, teenage years and early twenties. Frank left his home in search of new pastures and started working in Guinness Brewery in 1948. He married his late wife Babs (Treacy) in 1963 in Cappataggle Church. She moved to Dublin, which was a new experience for her. Frank encouraged his daughters Ann & Clarie in all that was Irish throughout their childhood and teenage years. He travelled north, south, east and west of Ireland nearly every weekend bringing them to Irish Dancing Feiseanna, and showed his pride in them at every feis, even if they did not win! When they gave up Irish dancing he encouraged them to do set dancing and play Irish music. He was indeed, the proud father. Frank retired from Guinness Brewery in 1988 and he and Babs retired to Cappaveha, Kilconnell, to their newly built home and left Balfe Road East behind them. Not only was it their home in Dublin, it was home to all the people who passed through it down the years. Many of them spoke about 'Balfe Road East' at Frank's Removal and Funeral Mass. His love of hurling and football was renound and he spent many afternoons in Croke Park at matches, especially when his native Galway played. He himself, played for Kilgerril in his youth and reached county level, of which he was very proud, while his brother Joe and late brother Vincent also wore the Kilgerril jerseys. His love of playing cards was a great part of his life in latter years, as was shown by all his card playing friends who paid tribute to him. Frank also loved his garden, of which he was very proud. Frank sadly passed away in Portiuncula Hospital, aged 81 years. He was suddenly taken ill on the previous afternoon in Ballinasloe and was treated by the wonderful and devoted staff of the accident and emergency department and coronary care unit of Portiuncula Hospital. But despite their valiant efforts to save Frank, he decided it was at last, time to be with his devoted and loving wife, Babs, again. He died as he had lived, peacefully. His family took the opportunity to thank his medical team for their wholehearted efforts to save him. Frank's remains were brought to the family home where he reposed until his Removal to Sacred Heart Church, Kilconnell, where, following Requiem Mass, the burial took place in Kilconnell Old Cemetery. A huge number of people paid their respect over the three days. Ann & Claire would especially would especially like to thank their 'Angel Team' for not leaving their sides through that very sad time. They know who they are. At the Funeral Mass, Very Rev. Fr. Edward Stankard P.P., Cappataggle, gave a beautiful homily on Frank. His grandchildren, whom he loved so much, and in whose upbringing he was so involved, presented symbols significant to his life and read poems as a tribute to him. Frank was predeceased by his loving wife Babs; his sister Mary; brothers John, Vincent and Christy. He is survived by his daughters Ann and Claire, sons-in-law Sean (Hutson) and John (Daly); his nine grandchildren, Keith, Rebecca, Laura, Sarah, Niamh, Eoin, Cathal, Darragh and Sinead. He is also survived by his sister Lizzie Carroll (Ballinasloe) and brother Joe (Cappagh) as well as a large circle of relatives and friends. Frank was a loyal, trustworthy and generous man both to his family and friends. To know him was indeed an honour. Courtesy of The Connacht Tribune 18/08/2006 Tweet

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