Galway hurling legend Michael Coleman will be laid to rest today following his death last Friday.
The senior hurling winner with Galway in 1988 died following the accident while clearing up storm damage near his home in Crumlin, Ballyglunin on Friday evening.
His former Galway manager, Cyril Farrell described Coleman as a “a giant on the pitch and a giant off it”.
“He was a lovely lad who preferred to work away in the background and was a great man to get things done. He was a warrior who played it very hard but also played it very fair,” added Farrell.
“He never complained or blamed anyone else. He just took everything on the chin.”
Before last Saturday’s Allianz Hurling League match against Clare in Pearse Stadium the entire Galway squad and backroom gathered together while Conor Whelan laid a number eight jersey on the field.
Former Galway teammate, Pete Finnerty said; “he was a great character and had the same respect for everybody he met”.
The 62-year-old was heavily involved in a variety of community events, including sport, the church, senior citizens’ group and a host of other local activities.
“He just loved helping people and loved doing it under the radar. He never wanted any big recognition for it or anything. He was just one of these people that you don’t meet too often.”
Coleman made his championship debut for Galway in 1988 and played a key role in their All-Ireland win that year and again the following year in 1989.
He followed up that 1988 All-Ireland win by inspiring Abbeyknockmoy later that year when they won their first and only Galway senior hurling title, pipping holders Athenry by a point in a replay.
Coleman won the first of his three All Star awards the following season in 1989, and was also honoured in ’90 and in ’95.
