A heartfelt homage was paid to one of the eldest residents of Ireland, Michael Coyne from Fairymount, Castlerea, Co Roscommon, who passed away aged 107. A passionate fan of GAA, Michael, a resident of Boyle along with his nephew Neil McGarry, maintained excellent health until his final days, according to his godson, Austin Waldron.
Mr Waldron expressed that everyone was astounded last January when Michael recollected and shared a poem about Castlerea on his birthday. It was a melancholic farewell, but Mr Waldron remained hopeful, as Michael enjoyed life to the fullest and plans were already in place for the subsequent celebrations.
An extraordinary birthday celebration marked Michael’s 107th year, including a holy Mass led by the local parish priest, Father Michael Donnelly, at the Sacred Heart Church in Fairymount, the place of Michael’s baptism in 1917. This was followed by a joyous birthday luncheon at Hester’s Golden Eagle Bar in Castlerea.
The centenarian, according to Mr Waldron, savoured the company of others, and relished a pint of Guinness chased by a Jameson whisky. Michael’s charisma was unmatched, having driven till the age of 98, with a valid license until he turned 100. He retained his remarkable longevity due to his bachelor status, Mr Waldron jested.
A fervent supporter of the Fianna Fáil party, Mr Coyne took immense pride in his membership card, which was always in his wallet along with his driving license. According to Mr Waldron, Neil enabled him to lead an independent life at home, aiding him in absorbing news from multiple papers, cherishing the Roscommon Herald as his preferred one.
Mr Coyne’s contributions to the construction of the Bellacorick power station in Co Mayo in the 1950s were recently recognised. The power station, which ceased operations in 2005, was a key infrastructural project in the West of Ireland at its heyday. Michael was employed by a building firm owned by John, Mr Waldron’s deceased father, and was presented with a copy of ‘Powering the West, A History of Bord na Móna and ESB in North Mayo’, which charted the power station’s construction.