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John Coughlan RIP

John Coughlan RIP

The Football Association of Ireland was deeply saddened to learn that FAI National Council member and Honorary Secretary of the Carlow and District Football League, John Coughlan, passed away last night, aged 69.

John was a truly great servant of Irish football and worked tirelessly to develop the game outside its traditional support base. John was a serving member of the FAI International Committee. He was on the FAI Rules Commission, an active member of the FAI’s disciplinary bodies, a member of FAI Junior Council and on FAI National Council.

In 2008 he became the first President of the Leinster Football Association from outside the Dublin area. He played a leading role in developing the Carlow and District Football League. Today, the league boasts 27 clubs, a testament to his dedication and commitment to Irish football.

FAI President, Tony Fitzgerald paid his tribute to John,

“John Coughlan will be sadly missed by football people all over the country. He was natural leader who was very knowledgeable and extremely likeable. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and many friends at this difficult time.”

John Delaney, Chief Executive of the Football Association of Ireland said,

“John was a true friend and a wonderful man who displayed tireless dedication to our sport. He showed remarkable bravery and strength during his illness. Throughout his life, he gave great service to football and he will be missed by his many friends in the sport. He gave so much to all levels of the game, nationally, through his work on council, committees and commissions, and locally, through the Carlow and District Football League. In his own community, he was instrumental in securing the appointment of our co-funded FAI development officer in Carlow in 2007, a role which continues to deliver so many benefits to disadvantaged areas, homeless groups and those with disabilities in the area. We will honour his memory at the international match against Poland and offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends.”

Noel Jordan, Honorary Chairman of the Carlow and District Football League, added,

“Having worked closely with John for over 22 years, I found out what a great leader he was and how he inspired people around him to buy into his way of thinking. A massive space has been left in our league but more importantly, we have lost a great leader, a great friend, a man who made a difference in our community.”

 

On behalf of the Executive Committee, the Clubs, the players and the officials of the Combined Counties Football League we extend our deepest sympathies to John’s family and friends and to the members of the Carlow and District League at this time of great sadness. May he rest in peace.

The funeral arrangements for John Coughlan are as follows:

John will be reposing at Healy’s Funeral Home, Pollerton, Carlow from Tuesday at 12pm. Removal that evening at 6.30pm to Carlow Cathedral for 7pm. Burial on Wednesday after 12.00pm mass. Refreshments will be served in Seven Oaks Hotel after the burial