Tributes to community volunteer and businessman Mattie Coleman
There has been an outpouring of sadness in the north Mayo and west Sligo area following the passing of Mattie Coleman, Lacknasleva, Enniscrone.
A well-known businessman, a dedicated athlete and volunteer who was an inspiration to so many as well as a generous friend and neighbour, Mattie passed away peacefully on Tuesday following a brave battle with illness.
His business, Coleman’s Electronics, has been well-renowned in the community since Mattie established it in 1983 and through hard work made it a leading brand across Mayo, Sligo and the rest of Connacht.
He played a major role in many local sporting organisations such as his local GAA club Enniscrone/Kilglass as a player, coach, administrator, sponsor and supporter. He played for the Minor Championship winning team in 1975 and also represented Sligo at Minor level. Mattie later coached at various levels and served as chairperson for a decade, helping to drive a major overhaul of the club grounds.
The club paid this tribute to Mattie.
“In all his roles, Mattie gave 110 percent and always went about things in a manner that was underpinned by some of the key traits he possessed: generous, reliable, committed and fiercely loyal.”
“Mattie’s untimely passing is a major loss to our wider community but most of all to his family; to his wife Bernie, daughters Laura, Sarah and Áine, son Brian and the extended Coleman family, we offer our deepest sympathies.”
Mattie was a hugely respected athlete and was a member of Ballina Athletic Club. He had a huge love for the sport and earned multiple medals at Indoor and Outdoor Masters Championships and also took part in major road races including the Dublin City Marathon and the Chicago Marathon.
Ballina Athletic Club described their teammate as a “true inspiration.”
“Beyond his achievements, Mattie will be remembered most as a true gentleman. He gave back a huge amount to his community in a quiet and unassuming way, never looking for recognition or praise.”
“In 2017, he organised a once-off “Blood for Life” 12K Run in association with Lionbridge and Ballina AC to promote the act of giving blood, an initiative that captured the very best of community spirit and highlighted the kind of person Mattie was. He believed in helping others and led by example.”
Ballina Cycling Club also paid tribute to Mattie.
“While Mattie’s achievements as an athlete were many, it was his extraordinary ability to encourage and uplift others through sport that truly set him apart. A latecomer to cycling, he inspired so many, proving time and again that age is just a number. His journey showed what determination, passion, and belief can achieve at any stage of life.”
“Over the past year, Mattie brought the same resilience and strength that made him such a formidable competitor on the bike to his brave battle with illness. He faced it with remarkable courage and humility. One thing is certain, he is at the top of the mountain now, smiling down on us all.”
Reposing at McGowan’s Funeral Home on Friday from 5pm until 8pm. Funeral will arrive to the Church of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven, Enniscrone on Saturday for 1.30pm requiem mass followed by burial in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Kilglass.
