Death of Richard Coffey, Faircross, Newbridge (1938)

Leinster Leader 11 June 1938

Richard Coffey, Faircross, Newbridge

The death occurred, on 5th inst., at his residence, Faircross, Newbridge, of Mr. Richard Coffey, last surviving son of one of the most esteemed and universally respected families in Co. Kildare.  Two short years ago, in January, 1936, the Dread Reaper garnered to his own Miss Mary Coffey, sister of deceased.  In April, 1936, Robert Coffey, eldest surviving son, passed away, and now a notable Co. Kildare family becomes practically extinct by the death of Richard Coffey.  Co. Kildare mourns his passing – the passing of an Irish gentleman, true sportsman and, above all, impeccable Christian.

An excellent and considerate employer, charitable in word and deed, a sportsman to the core – such was the man whom friends and admirers of all classes mourn.

A pillar of the Newbridge Coursing Club, keenly interested in game preservation, a golfer who played the game for the game’s sake, a practical breeder of thoroughbreds and withal, a man of erudition and pre-eminently an Irishman – that was “Dick” Coffey.  May he rest in peace.

Deceased had been in failing health for some time past and his end was not unexpected but nevertheless the realisation of his actual death came in the nature of a shock, as he was a comparatively young man – well short of the “allotted span” of  “three score and ten.”

The funeral on Tuesday, from St. Conleith’s Church to the New Cemetery, was a notable tribute to the memory of deceased.  Following Requiem Mass (celebrated by Revd. Fr. Gardiner, C.C.) a large and most representative gathering sorrowfully followed the remains to the graveside, where Revd. Fr. Ryan, C.C., recited the prayers.

The chief mourners were – P. Coffey, Caragh (cousin); Mrs. Hill (niece); Miss B. Murphy (grand-niece); Master K. Murphy (grand-nephew); E. Coffey, Caragh; J. Hill, Wexford (relatives).

The clergy present were – Revd. W. Mahon (Adm., Tullow), Revd. P. Doyle (Portlaoighise), Revd. J. Dunny (Adm., Carlow), Revd. P. Gorry (Monasterevan), Revd. J. Waldron, P.P. (Ballyadams), Revd. M. O’Connor (Daingean), Revd. E. J. Carey, C.F. (Curragh), Revd. Fr. F. Ryan, O.P. (Newbridge), Revd. T. Kennedy (Kildare).

The attendance included – T. Harte (Kildare), D. Dunne (Stradbally), D. B. Brennan, T. Sex, J. Stafford, Robt. Gannon, A. Moore, Jos. Dunne, John Moylan, E. Sheridan, P. Sheridan, E. Brophy, C. P. Ryan, P. J. Cox, John Kelly (Town Clerk, Newbridge), James Dowling (Chairman, Naas U.D.C.), P. McDonagh, T.C., John Morrissey (Hon. Sec., Newbridge Coursing Club), T. P. Clarke (Secy., Kildare Co. Board, G.A.A.), Jos. Kelly, W. J. Parkinson, O.T.V., Slocock, E. Bonnar, John Coffey, Dr. J. V. Roantree, P. O’Shaughnessy (Hibernian Bank, Newbridge), Capt. Guiney, Capt. C. Ellison, H. Grennell (National Bank, Newbridge), H. Farrell, Clane, P. Brophy, T. Waters, A. Waters, Thos. Flood (Newhall), Wm. Burke, Capt. R. O’Sullivan, J. Collins (Caragh), John Robinson (do.), Timothy Flood (Newbridge), R. Flood, T. Mallick, Thos. Lawlor (Chairman, Kildare Co. Board, G.A.A.), L. Beirns (Messrs. Wallace and Co.) W. O’Neill, J. J. Fitzgerald, P. O’Rourke, W. Price, J. J. Conlan (Kildare), Jos. Gorry (Naas), E. Malone, R. Russell Weller (“Leinster Leader”), A. O’Connor (Mylerstown), R. Brophy, P. Dawson (Oldtown), T. Higgins, L. Malone, R. Malone, J. Farrell, W. White, A. Kearns, H. Mooney (Monasterevan), J. Power (Athgarvan), Thos. O’Neill (Newbridge).

Newbridge Town Commissioners, at their monthly meeting on Tuesday, passed a vote of sympathy to the relatives of deceased.  Proposer and seconder (Messrs. T. Dunne and F. Conlan) paid most sincere tributes to the memory of the deceased.

Newbridge Coursing Club, at a special meeting, passed a similar resolution of respect and sympathy.