Frank Murphy on Cork GAA legend Denis Coughlan: 'We lay to rest one of the greatest hurlers and footballers of all time'

REST IN PEACE: Denis Coughlan's funeral mass took place at Blackpool's Church of the Annunciation

Denis Coughlan was remembered as an absolute gentleman on and off the pitch during his funeral mass at Blackpool church of the Annunciation on Tuesday.

The Glen Rovers, St Nick’s, and Cork GAA dual great sadly passed away last Friday at the age of 80 and tributes were paid to honour the talented player he was, as well as the proud family man.

Across his 16 seasons representing Cork in hurling and football, Coughlan won five All-Irelands, 12 Munster titles, four All-Stars, and was named hurler of the year in 1977.

At club level, Coughlan won five county, three Munster, and two All-Ireland hurling titles with the Glen, including serving as captain for their maiden triumph in 1973, while with St Nick’s he won two county and one Munster football title.

Speaking at the funeral service, which was attended by Rebels players from the past and present including Tómas Mulcahy, Billy Morgan, Mark Landers and Robert Downey, former Cork GAA secretary Frank Murphy listed Coughlan’s long list of achievements before paying tribute to his “loyal friend.” 

“I am privileged to have been asked to pay a tribute on this sad occasion to this great hurler and footballer, and an extraordinary gentleman, Denis Coughlan,” began Murphy.

“It is indeed appropriate to recall his lifetime of achievement that brought distinguished honours to his clubs and county, and such great joy to so many people.

“He was an absolute gentleman, both on and off the field. He was a great conversationalist, and his views were always well-informed, genuine and sincere.

“We will lay shortly to rest one of the greatest hurlers and footballers of all time. A decent and honourable man who I had the privilege of knowing as a loyal friend.

“He will be greatly missed by his family and countless friends throughout Ireland.

“We salute you Denis for your value, skill and dedication you displayed in Gaelic games.

“Your deeds and achievements will long be recalled when people speak of great men who adorned the wonderful sports of hurling and Gaelic football.”

And following Murphy, Denis’ daughter Ciara offered an emotional insight into what he was like away from the GAA pitch.

“It's been very comforting to see so many friendly faces over the past few days, and we really do appreciate your support, in particular those of you who have supported us in recent weeks and months,” said Ciara.

“Over the past few weeks, we've been reading Dad's book again. It's clear that there were many influences on his life, and not least the people around him.

“His parents, his grandparents, sisters, his cousins, family and neighbours, the people of Blackpool, the people of the Glen and St. Nicks, his classmates, teammates, work colleagues, friends, and huge sporting heroes of his like Christy Ring and Jack Lynch, and of course my mum.

“But what's not so clear is whether Dad realised what an influence he was on us. From sport to work and family life, Dad's generosity, his kindness, hard work and his sense of humour were the essence of him. He was our hero.

“He was such a hero to us that when Mum and Dad went to see Frank Sinatra in concert in Dublin some years back, they came home the next day and Dad told us that he had met Frank Sinatra in the lift at the hotel after the gig.

“When he told us that Sinatra had put his hand out and said: ‘Excuse me, are you Denis Coughlan?’ We believed him. It could be true.

“The reason we're here in Blackpool Church today is because nothing mattered more to Dad than home. Blackpool was home and family was home. I know he was very proud of us, including all his grandchildren.

“To so many, it looked like his priority was sport, but we knew his priority was family. I imagine every one of you who knew him has a few stories to tell. They say you may not remember what someone says, but you will always remember how they made you feel.

“We’ll keep him close in our hearts, and we'll never forget him.” The service concluded with members of Glen Rovers, St Nick’s and Cork Golf Club forming a guard of honour for Coughlan as ‘The Banks of my own lovely Lee’ was sung by the choir.