THE PARISH PRIEST of Abbeyknockmoy, Co Galway said that the area remains in a state of shock almost a week after the death of former hurler Michael Coleman in an accident at his home.

Fr Ronnie Boyle said that the former All-Ireland winner was an exceptional person who had contributed to so many lives, families and organisations in the Abbeyknockmoy area.

The 61-year-old died in an accident clearing storm damage at his home at Crumlin in the parish, and Fr Boyle said his death had shocked people far and wide.

“I don’t think it is an understatement to say that this parish, this community has been left shocked and in disbelief. I find it I find myself in disbelief talking about Michael as he was, not as he is,” Fr Boyle said.

“He was a true gentleman on and off the pitch, a fantastic role model, a friend, a character, an operator, good-humored, kind, thoughtful, unassuming, always had a good word for everyone, so greatly admired as a hurler and a warrior, greatly missed.

“Those are just a few of the things I’ve heard about Michael since he died last Friday, and I suspect each of you could add to that list. I have met many great, generous, caring people in various parishes. But in all sincerity, I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like Michael Coleman.”

Fr Boyle told the packed congregation at the church of The Immaculate Conception Brooklodge that while most people knew Michael for his hurling exploits for Abbeyknockmoy and Galway, he was also known locally for being heavily involved in a variety of voluntary organisations.

Abbeyknockmoy and Galway jerseys were among the symbols of Michael’s life that were among the gifts brought to the altar.

President Michael D Higgins was represented by his aide-de-camp Commandant Brian Walsh.

“I had, like most, known him as the courageous Galway hurler. I remember I was in awe of him playing for Galway in the eighties and the nineties. And then after getting to know him a little when I arrived here, I was even more in awe of him,” added Fr Boyle.

“The attitude and commitment and passion, the skill, the courage in which he played with, was but merely a reflection of the way he lived his life and his love and commitment to his family and to this community.”

Fr Boyle said that Michael Coleman was immersed in many community initiatives, including sport, the church, senior citizens and various other groups.

He said he was instrumental in securing the land for the cemetery at Brooklodge and recounted how he volunteered some years ago to paint a faded spot in the interior roof of the church.

“He didn’t stop with the faded spot. He recruited around 40 young people and they painted all the inside of the church. Then they went and painted the outside. He was a doer, always getting things done.

“He would fundraise and then see the work through, not because he was asked to do it, not because he had to do it, but because he wanted to do it and because it was needed to be done. That was the only motivation.”

The parish priest added that despite all that Michael was involved in, his family was his “greatest priority” and passion.

“His love, as you know, was unconditional. And this is something I know you will cherish forever and ever and take with you forever.

“His kindness and generosity will be remembered by all with the pleasure of knowing him. I’m sure he would certainly have been amazed to see how many turned up to celebrate his wonderful life today and yesterday evening. I think he would also have been very surprised as he was a very humble man,” added Fr Boyle.

Several thousand people queued for hours on Wednesday evening at the church of The Immaculate Conception Brooklodge in Abbeyknockmoy to express their sympathy to the Coleman family.

At the outset Cyril Farrell, manager of the 1988 All-Ireland winning Galway team on which Michael Coleman played, and the captain Conor Hayes led members of the victorious squad in paying their respects to their late colleague.

Babs Keating and Nicky English, manager and captain of the Tipperary team Galway defeated that day, led members of that squad in sympathising with the Coleman family.

The chairman of Galway GAA Paul Bellew and manager Micheál Donoghue led members of the current Galway hurling squad in paying their respects to the former triple All Star, who played for over eleven years with the Galway hurling team.

Michael Coleman is survived by his wife Mary, son Dara and daughter Sinéad, brothers Paddy, Christy, Jarlath, Bernie, Joe, Mattie and Eugene, his sisters Mary, Una, and Bridie, relatives and friends.

His son Dara thanked the emergency services, their neighbours and friends for all they had done for them since his father’s accident on Friday.

“My father was always a great father, someone to look up to, and left a legacy that anyone would be proud of. He had a great family, great friends, a loving wife, a son, and a daughter.

“We know from being with him and seeing how everyone reacted around him that he was a special person and his ability to automatically think of helping people, putting them first, made them into the hero in many people’s eyes.

“The legacy he left behind may never be fully known,” he said in a moving tribute to his dad.

Michael Coleman was laid to rest at Brooklodge Cemetery following the funeral ceremony.