Anthony Kilcoyne

As briefly reported the death occurred peacefully on December 15 of Anthony Kilcoyne Tooreen, Louisburgh, in the company of his wife Ann at their home, following a short illness. He was 80 years of age.

Anthony was the youngest child to the late Katie and James Kilcoyne, Cregganbawn, Louisburgh. He is predeceased by his five brothers Tommy, Michael, Pat, James, and Owen.

Having grown up in a very caring and very hard working family, Anthony certainly continued these values in his own life, right up until the end.

After leaving Cregganbawn National School, Anthony trained to be a carpenter at the Tech in Westport and he served his time with Molloys of Westport.  Both his time in the Tech and Molloys were very precious to him and he used his trade throughout his life.

Thereafter, Anthony joined his brothers, Tommy, Michael, James, and Owen in London, while their brother Pat, looked after their parents and the family farm back in Cregganbawn. Anthony spent four years in London, where he worked on the buildings and enjoyed being among his brothers, or ‘’his own’’, as he often referred to them as.

In fact, when they were out socialising together, both then and in later years, when it came to whose round it was, Anthony was often know to say, ‘’sure it does not matter, we’re all the one.’’

Along with being a home bird, and the fact that the British Government were seeking recruits for the Korean War, Anthony returned to his native Mayo in 1953.

Having purchased a site in Cahir, Louisburgh, Anthony built a workshop on the site, where he made/repaired anything from ass carts/ass cart wheels to doors and windows, along with putting handles in the odd shovel, etc. He once described the colour in a house as ‘’ass cart blue’’. Despite being known to be a ‘’quiet man’’, he was certainly witty and straight to the point. On the other hand, when you would bring something to his attention, his common initial reply was ‘’Yaaaaaaa.’’.  Overall, a man of few words, in particular when working.

Aside from Anthony’s love of work, his other love at that time was Irish music, in particular, playing the button accordion. Whilst attending Belcare dance hall, he was lucky enough to meet the most important passion/love of his life, Ann. Within two years, Anthony had managed to be both engaged and married to his beloved, Ann.

Thereafter, Anthony and Ann, with the help of relatives, converted Anthony’s original workshop, into a modern two storey house, which Ann successfully operated as a B&B, a playschool and student lodgings.

While Ann attended to the B&B, etc, Anthony operated as a building contractor, having been self-taught in the many areas of building construction, with the exception of the electrical work. The hard working ethic of his family was deep rooted within Anthony and he was fortunate to never be without work, and often relied on the assistance of his brother Owen, in particular.

Anthony loved the old ways, old values and old sayings. He loved nothing more than a few pints after a hard day’s work in either Gaffney’s or Duffy’s and to be home in time for dinner with his family.

In recent years when he was no longer fit to work as a tradesman, he kept a neat and colourful garden which included vegetables. He also kept a number of hens and he thoroughly enjoyed letting them out early each morning and seeing how many eggs they had laid.

Anthony was also a man of strong faith and he played a longstanding role in assisting with the collection of the church offering baskets in his local church.

Overall, Anthony is described as a hard worker, a devoted family man and most of all a true gentleman.

Anthony is survived by his loving wife Ann (neé Gavin), cherished daughter Claire (Walsh), grandchildren Darragh, Ray, and Dylan, son-in-law Ray, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins and a large circle of friends.

Following a wake in his home, removal the following evening was from Sweeney's Funeral Home, to St Patrick’s Church, Louisburgh, where Fr Mattie Long PP, received his remains. His Funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Mattie Long PP. His grandchildren brought gifts reflecting his life to the altar. His eldest grandchild, Darragh, along with his nieces and nephews partook in the readings, prayers of the faithful and reflection. Music and song featured strongly throughout Anthony’s Funeral Mass. The musical instruments played on the altar that reflected Anthony’s talent as an accordion player and his love for Irish music, included two accordions and a violin, while Catherine sang Anthony’s favourite song, ‘’will ye go lassie go’’.     

In Anthony’s nephew’s reflection, he acknowledged that despite Anthony being the youngest of six boys, that he was always there for his older brothers and for their immediate family thereafter. Anthony’s continued support was acknowledged with sincere thanks. In the said reflection, Ray’s continued loyalty to Anthony up until Anthony’s dying day was also acknowledged, along with that of local carers and medical professionals.

Anthony’s burial took place in Murrisk Abbey Cemetery, at the bottom of Croagh Patrick, overlooking Clew Bay.

May he enjoy the light of Heaven. Rest in peace, Anthony.