The Mayor of Killarney has led tributes to the late Paul Coghlan, the former senator and councillor, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 79.
Cllr Niall Kelleher said Paul was a larger-than-life character who contributed enormously, over a long period of time, to business and political life and he always had the interests of Killarney and its people at heart.
“Prior to his election to Seanad Éireann, Paul was very actively involved in local politics, serving as a member of Killarney Urban District Council from 1985 to 1999 and Kerry County Council from 1991 to 1999.
“I know he was particularly proud of the two terms he served as Mayor of Killarney and he represented the town and its people with great purpose and eloquence when he wore the chain of office,” Cllr Kelleher said.
He described Paul Coghlan as a real driving force in the local business community and a long-time member of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, serving as its President in 1980.
“He campaigned very actively and with great consistency to have Killarney House and Gardens developed into a world class visitor attraction when it was gifted to the town by the McShain family. I know that Paul’s contribution to the Trustees of Muckross House was also greatly valued,” Mayor Kelleher recalled.
He said Paul will also be remembered by many for his contribution to Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, as a captain, a director and as a playing member and he loved nothing more than playing a round of golf with friends as well as taking every opportunity to showcase the wonderful local courses to visitors.
“Paul was great company and he was blessed with a with a great sense of humour. He will be missed by so many people, not just here in Killarney but throughout the entire country given that he was so widely known and respected,” the mayor said.
Mayor of Kerry, Cllr John Francis Flynn, meanwhile, has also paid tribute to the late former senator and councillor.
He said he was a distinguished politician who had given many long years of service as a member of Seanad Éireann, Kerry County Council and Killarney Urban District Council.
“Paul was first a foremost a Killarney man and throughout his career, he always advocated eloquently for his native place and for the county as a whole.
“Whether making his mark in the UDC chamber, the county council chamber or the Seanad chamber, he was a dedicated and committed public servant who had many friends across the political divide,” Cllr Flynn stated.
Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce said it was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the late Paul Coghlan, a long-time member of chamber who was a very effective and dedicated president of the organisation in 1980.
A statement issued by joint presidents, Pádraig Treacy and Johnny McGuire, said Paul was involved in almost every facet of Killarney life and he made an enormous contribution to local business and the community.
The statement read: “He was a true and loyal supporter of the Killarney brand and took great pride in playing his part in ensuring the town was a great place to live and visit.
“As chamber president and as the two-time chairman of the former Killarney Town Council, Paul spearheaded several projects that improved the town and its environs and he played a major role as a Trustee of Muckross House, overseeing the responsible management of Killarney’s most precious asset, the 26,000-acre national park.
“As a senator he always had Killarney and Kerry’s best interests at heart and he was a strong voice and a great advocate for the town and county along the corridors of power.
“As an auctioneer, Paul was very active in the business life of the town and he was always available to lend his advice and offer practical and sensible solutions to property matters”.
The chamber statement said Paul was very much at home at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club and, as a former captain and director, he was to the forefront of many of the great developments that took place there over the years.
“The sense of pride he exhibited on the occasions the club he loved hosted the Irish Open Championship was immense and unmatched.
“While his many friends in Killarney will miss Paul’s great energy, his wisdom, his great nature, his wonderful sense of humour and his can-do approach to life, the greatest sense of loss, of course, will be felt by his wife, Peggy, and family to whom Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce extends heartfelt sympathy,” the chamber stated.
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