Memorial service held for popular Tipperary clergyman who passed away last year

Canon Ian Coulter, who was the clergyman in charge of the Union of Templemore, Thurles and Kilfithmone churches passed away unexpectedly late last November.

He had ministered to the parish since 2020 and was outstanding in his care, compassion and spiritual leadership.

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As Ian lived in Kilkenny and was Canon Treasurer of St Canice’s Cathedral his funeral service took place in St Canice’s at that time.

In recognition of Canon Ian’s remarkable life and his great service to parishioners in this Union, a special memorial service was held in St Mary’s Church of Ireland in Templemore on Sunday March 29.

Daphne, Ian’s wife, Ailbhe their daughter, son in law Ross, his niece Edith and nephew Kenneth all attended.

The large numbers in the congregation from across all denominations and from Kilkenny and Tipperary, reflected the great affection and esteem held by so many for Canon Ian.

This service was led by the Right Reverend Adrian Wilkinson, Bishop of Cashel, Ferns & Ossory, along with Archdeacon Alec Purser, the Reverend Denis Sandes and Reader, Mr Tommy Cooke.

Reflecting the deep respect and affection held by many beyond his own parishioners, the service was strongly supported by local Catholic clergy led by the Reverend Kieran O’Reilly, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, Canon Conor Hayes, Templemore, and Fathers Jim Purcell and Vincent Stapleton, Thurles.

The service featured selected readings, prayers and hymns.

Children from the local parish school spoke of Canon Ian’s warmth and commitment and support.

Mr Raymond Stanley spoke movingly on behalf of all parishioners in the Templemore Union - his address follows.

As the service concluded Ailbhe Coulter expressed her family’s deepest thanks and appreciation and also spoke of the great happiness Canon Ian’s years of service in the local parish had brought to him.

Following the service, a plaque was unveiled alongside a tree in the churchyard to Ian’s memory.

The event concluded with refreshments in the Templemore Arms.

May Ian rest in peace and rise in glory.

The address made by Raymond Stanley on behalf of the parishioners of the Templemore Union of Parishes is as follows:

“We have come here today to remember one remarkable person – Canon Ian Coulter. It was said to me recently that he was one in a million. Maybe that’s true, but I’m more inclined to think he was a one off, that there was nobody quite like him. He loved helping people whether that was with advice, encouragement or just being present in person.

“When we in the Union of Templemore, Thurles and Kilfithmone first heard that Canon Ian was coming to us as Priest in Charge, we were delighted, having got to know him previously when he was with us on a part time basis. In practical terms this meant he would have to travel the road from Kilkenny to us on a regular basis. This Ian did willingly, winter and summer with no thought to his personal safety. He always made himself available if required both on the telephone and in person. On occasion he even interrupted his own family holidays if he was needed. His kind, sensitive nature always shone through in everything he did and nothing was too much trouble. Even during Covid, every Sunday he would hold an on line service for those parishioners who wished to avail of it.

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“Anytime Canon Ian was thanked for doing something, he would always reply “Well, I get more out of it than I put into it”. Like many of you here today I have many very happy memories of Ian’s time with us. His sense of humour was severely tested one Christmas Eve. While preaching a sermon from the pulpit in Thurles his clothing caught fire from a nearby candle. His comment afterwards was “It makes a great story but one that’s more suited to Pentecost than Christmas!”.

“I know I speak for all the parishioners here in the Union when I say that it was a great honour and indeed a real privilege to have worked with Ian over the years.

“Daphne, on behalf of the Union of Templemore, Thurles and Kilfithmone I thank you and your family for lending Canon Ian to us. I assure you that he will always be remembered by us with great admiration and veneration.”