Kiltimagh mourns death of David Charlton

Kiltimagh mourns death of David Charlton


Michael Commins

KILTIMAGH man David Charlton, husband of former Tanaiste Mary Coughlan, died just hours before his beloved Mayo triumphed over Dublin in the All Ireland semi-final at Croke Park. How David would have relished the dream final between Mayo and his adopted Donegal later this month.
David (49) was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year and had received treatment in Letterkenny Hospital over the past few months. Some years ago, he had a leg amputated following a car accident.
A member of An Garda Siochana, David first met Mary Coughlan while he was doing duty at Leinster House. He was later assigned to Glenties in Donegal and he and Mary and their two children, Cathal (15) and Meabh (13) resided in Frosses.
One of a family of six, David was son of Sarah Ann (nee Staunton from Kilcun, Kiltimagh) and the late Denny Charlton, a member of a very well known family in the parish.
A keen golfer, he played many of the top courses over the years and made numerous friends through the sport. Like so many of his family, he was a strong GAA supporter and followed Mayo down the years. His cousin Ciaran Charlton has represented Mayo at minor and U 21 football and also at senior hurling level.
David and Mary were frequent visitors to Kiltimagh over the years where they loved to socialise in some of the local hostelries and renew acquaintances with neighbours and friends. News of his passing was received with much sadness and regret in the Kiltimagh region.
Many people from the town and neighbouring areas journeyed to Donegal on Sunday and Monday to show their support and express condolences to the family. Many others are expected to travel to Frosses for the Funeral Mass today (Tuesday) at 12 noon in St Mary’s Church with interment afterwards in Cranny Road Cemetery.
David is survived by his wife Mary, son Cathal, daughter Meabh, brothers Padraig, Paul and Denis, sisters Mary and Sally, uncles, aunts, relatives, neighbours and a legion of friends, including his Garda colleagues.