Willie Coleman remembered as a legend of Ballinhassig GAA Club

The late Willie Coleman has been described as a “legendary figure” of Ballinhassig GAA Club but his great friend and fellow stalwart John O’Sullivan.

Club president Coleman will be laid to rest on Thursday, having died earlier this week. Up to his death, he was one of Ballinhassig’s delegates to Cork County Board and, as his colleague in that role, O’Sullivan is well-placed to assess the impact that the east Cork native had following his posting to the south-east as a member of An Garda Síochána a half-century ago.

“Every club has legendary figures,” he says, “and Willie was without doubt a legendary figure in Ballinhassig.

“Willie came to the area as a Garda and, before the term ‘community guard’ was ever invented, he was the community guard in terms of the work that he took on.

“He got involved in the under-age club at a time when there wasn’t as much structure as there would be now and he absolutely immersed himself in it.

“He was always a central figure in the club – his wisdom and his knowledge were so valuable and he was so willing to provide assistance. He served in an enormous amount of capacities within the club and the division.

“He was well-known and highly respected, particularly at county board level, and I’ve never come across someone who was such a devoted supporter of all Cork inter-county teams.

“Before he was the club delegate to the board, he was a Carrigdhoun divisional delegate but, when we went up intermediate, he vacated that role as he felt it was one that should go to someone from a junior club. He always saw the big picture.”

Coleman’s service was something that never wavered, not least in how he was willing to pass his experience on those taking on important administrative roles.

“We have very young officers in our club and Willie was a marvellous source of encouragement to them,” O’Sullivan says.

“He was always there and had their back. Young officers need support and he was always there to provide it.

“He was the club president, which is as big an honour as your club can give you, but he was still one of the county board delegates too, willing to put in that effort.

“He was held in huge esteem, not just within the club but in the area, from his role as a Garda, a parishoner and a community person.”

The loss of such a figure naturally leaves a gap, but such situations are when the fortitude and solidarity of a club are shown at their fullest as they rally together to provide support and solace for family and friends of the deceased.

And, ultimately, the best tribute that can be paid is to carry on the good work to the same high standard.

“Willie left a legacy in our club which will be like a beacon, shining forth all the time,” O’Sullivan says.