Remembering Michael Coleman, R.I.P.

Galway GAA are deeply saddened at the sudden and untimely passing of the former Galway Hurling Captain Michael Coleman of the Abbeyknockmoy Club. Michael represented Galway with distinction at Minor, Intermediate and Senior levels. He won an All-Ireland Under 21 Hurling title with Galway in 1983. He went on to play a starring role at midfield when Galway retained the All-Ireland Senior title against Tipperary in 1988.

In an Intercounty career spanning over 10 years, Michael also won three National League Titles including captaining the winning Galway team in 1996. His contribution on the National stage was recognised by his selection on three All Star teams in 1989,1990 and 1995. Michael also represented University College Galway in the Fitzgibbon Cup as well as being the star of the St. Jarlaths College team that narrowly lost the Connacht Senior B Post Primary Hurling Final in 1981.

Michael took great pride in his club and was an important part of the Abbeyknockmoy team which won the Galway Senior Hurling Championship in 1988. When his playing days were over his commitment to the club was unwavering serving as mentor, coach and officer over the years. Michael was also active within Báireoirí Na Gaillimhe a group consisting of former Galway hurlers. Michael was a coach with the Leitrim Senior Hurlers when they claimed the Lory Meagher Cup in 2019.

Outside of the GAA Michael was a committed community activist involving himself in many activities within the locality.

He will be sorely missed by the Galway GAA Community.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife Mary, daughter Sinead and son Dara, his extended family, Abbeyknockmoy Hurling club and community at this incredibly difficult time.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis

Funeral arrangements as follows:  https://rip.ie/death-notice/michael-coleman-galway-ballyglunin-584759

The Hurler’s Prayer

Grant me O Lord, a hurler’s skill,

With strength of arm and speed of limb

Unerring eye for the flying ball

And courage to match whate’er befall

May my stroke be steady, and my aim be true

My actions manly and my misses few

No matter what way the game may go

May I rest in friendship with every foe

When the final whistle for me has blown

And I stand at last before God’s judgement throne

May the great referee when he calls my name

Say, you hurled like a man; you played the game.