Taoiseach leads tributes to late Cllr Seamus Coyle
Taoiseach Micheál Martin led tributes to Fianna Fáil stalwart Cllr Séamus Coyle following his death on Monday, August 18.
The Fianna Fáil leader said he was “very sorry to learn of the death of Councillor Séamus Coyle”, describing him as “a proud Monaghan man” who had “an immense work ethic”, was “a tireless advocate for his community” and “believed in public service”.
Cllr Coyle was first elected to Monaghan County Council in 2004 and was re-elected at every subsequent local election, topping the poll in 2014, 2019 and 2024.
As such, Mr Martin said this was “testament to the regard” the local community had for Cllr Coyle. He extended his deepest sympathy to his family and constituents.
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum for the long-serving Monaghan councillor, who was serving as Cathaoirleach of Ballybay-Clones Municipal District (MD) at the time of his death.
Minister of State Niamh Smyth described him as “a dedicated public representative who gave more than two decades of service to the people of Latton, Ballybay, Clones and the wider County Monaghan”.
She said he was “a hardworking and committed councillor who always worked to raise issues that mattered to local people” and would be remembered as “a passionate Monaghan man” and “a strong voice for his community”.
Deputy Brendan Smith was also deeply saddened by the death of his friend and party colleague.
“As a public representative, Seamus was extremely diligent and worked extremely hard on behalf of all constituents. That work for his constituents was reflected in the massive vote he got at successive elections,” he said.
Deputy Smith described him as “insightful” and “diligent” and said he went “beyond the call of duty” for his constituents.
He also praised Cllr Coyle’s lifelong involvement with the GAA, saying he was “a very proud Latton O’Rahilly’s GAA club man”.
Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr Aidan Campbell (FG), led the tributes to Cllr Coyle on behalf of the local authority.
“Cllr Coyle was a committed public representative who gave generously of his time and energy in service to the people of Monaghan and his Municipal District area of Ballybay/Clones. His contribution to our council and community will be remembered with gratitude and respect.”
Cllr Coyle’s Fianna Fáil colleague Cllr PJ O’Hanlon, who served alongside him on Monaghan County Council since 2009, remembered a good friend and party colleague who was renowned for his preparation and professionalism.
“I have to say he was one of the most organised and professional people that I ever met in my life.”
Describing his standing within the party, O’Hanlon added: “Without a shadow of a doubt, the most capable Fianna Fáil councillor that I ever worked with was Councillor Séamus Coyle.”
“He’s a loss, not just to our party, but to the community that he represents.”
Fine Gael councillor and Leas-Cathaoirleach of Ballybay-Clones MD Richard Truell said he considered Cllr Coyle, not just a political colleague, but a friend.
“He could steer me right and he was always at the other end of the phone if I needed advice.”
Commenting on his popularity with the people, Cllr Truell described him as “a good councillor”.
“Everybody knew Séamus and Séamus knew everybody.”
Cllr Pat Treanor (SF) said councillors were shocked by the news. “He represented his constituents very well.”
Cllr Treanor noted that Cllr Coyle had been looking forward to his year as Cathaoirleach of Ballybay-Clones MD and advancing projects on behalf of local communities.
Monaghan County Council also paid tribute to Cllr Coyle as “highly respected” by the executive, staff and members alike.
Acting Chief Executive Carmel O’Hare said he had “worked tirelessly on behalf of the local community and made a significant contribution to local government and public service”.
She added: “He demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the lives of those he represented and made an enduring contribution to the development of our county and local communities.”
As a mark of respect, books of condolence have been opened at Monaghan County Council offices and Municipal District offices across the county.
It is understood that a special meeting of Monaghan County Council will be convened today (Wednesday), April 18.
Funeral details
Cllr Coyle’s remains will repose at O’Rahilly Community Centre, Latton [A75NY32] tomorrow (Thursday) from 1-8pm. His Removal will take place on Friday morning from his residence to arrive at St Mary’s Church , Latton for 12 noon Funeral Mass. Burial will take place immediately after in the adjoining cemetery.
Family flowers only please. House private please.
Cllr Coyle was predeceased by his parents Tom and Rosie. He will be sadly missed by his close relatives, large circle of friends and his colleagues on Monaghan County Council.