Huge shock at sudden passing of popular Coosan couple
The tighly-knit community of Coosan was left reeling this week following the sudden deaths of a hugely popular local couple, Mary and Noel Breen, within just six days of each other.
Mary (nee Lindsay) who was the former principal of St. Colmcille's national school, Ballinahown, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Creaghduff, Coosan, on Sunday, April 21, while her beloved husband, Noel, passed away suddenly and peacefully six days later, on Saturday last, April 27.
The sense of shock and disbelief at the sudden deaths of such a well-known and highly-respected couple was palpable this week, not just in Coosan, but right across the wider Midlands region.
Mary and Noel Breen were described as “wonderful members of the local community” in Coosan by their next-door neighbour, Kevin Ganly, who is also the Lifeboat Operations Manager with Lough Ree RNLI, where Mary Breen worked as a volunteer in lifesaving education for over a decade following her retirement from Ballinahown national school.
Kevin paid tribute to the “huge contribution” that Mary made to lifesaving education of young people in local schools, clubs and organisations which she visited as part of the education programme of Lough Ree RNLI.
He added that her fellow crew members were “deeply shocked and saddened” to learn of her unexpected passing, and that of her beloved husband, Noel, so soon afterwards.
Also paying tribute to the devoted couple this week was another Coosan resident, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, who said it was “unthinkable” for the Breen family to lose both of their parents just six days apart.
“This tragedy has really hit the local community hard,” he said, “and my heart goes out to their four daughters and the wider Breen and Lindsay families. They were a wonderful couple and they will be deeply missed. It's unimaginable what the families must be going through.”
A minute's silence was observed at all Temple Villa AFC matches over the weekend as a mark of respect to the memory of Noel Breen, who was a former player and one of the clubs's longest-serving members.
In a heartfelt tribute, the club said they were “deeply saddened” to learn of the passing of Mr Breen, whom they referred to as 'Breener', describing him as “a true Villa legend” who was part of many successful Villa teams as well as being on the winning Counties Cup team in 1983.
The late Noel Breen recently attended the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Temple Villa club, who extended their deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
“Temple Villa has lost a great one, that's for sure” the club commented, adding that the was also “a brilliant midfielder, a team player and a loyal clubman,” who was blessed with “a very quick wit, was a total gentleman, and a lovely singer.”
As well as being heavily involved with Temple Villa AFC, Noel Breen was also a committed angler over many years, and his sudden passing was greeted with shock and disbelief by his many friends in the local angling community.
Mary and Noel Breen are deeply mourned by their heartbroken daughters, Deirdre, Fiona, Noelle and Emma, their adoring grandchildren, Ellie, Finn, Charlie, Paddy, Evie and Saoirse, brothers, sisters, in-laws, extended family, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Mary Breen was laid to rest in Coosan Cemetery on Thursday last, April 25, following Requiem Mass in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, while her beloved husband was laid to rest in the same cemetery today (Thursday, May 2) following Requiem Mass in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church at 12 noon.
May they rest in peace.