There was deep sadness in the west of the county last week following the death in the Donegal Hospice of the well known trade union activist, Nelius Coyle, Ardsbeg, Gortahork.
At his funeral Mass in the Church of Christ the King, Gortahork on Saturday Fr. Seán Ó Gallchóir, former Parish Priest of Gortahork said Nelius was a great advocate for workers and their rights.
“Nelius used his many talents to secure fair wages and proper conditions for the workers he was representing,” Fr Seán said.
“He was a wise and greatly experienced negotiator. While quiet by nature he was hugely dedicated in every aspect of his work to serving his union members”.
Nelius was an only child born in 1941 to Fanny and Nelius Coyle, Ardsbeg. Sadly his father died before he was born.
He received his education in the nearby Derryconnor National School. In his teen years he decided to go to England with his cousin, Michael Green, Maxi and others in search of work. A hard worker, he spent years engaged in tunnelling in Burnlee, Birmingham, London, Southampton and Dover.
He worked hard and at the end of the 1960’s when the Industrial Estate started to develop on the Screabán in Gaoth Dobhair, he decided to return home.
The first company, Amblers was set up and opened in 1968 and Nelius secured employment with them.
The following year GT Carpets opened its doors and were looking for workers. He applied and was successful and worked in the tufting department.
He was elected one of the shop stewards and he and his colleagues in the union represented the workers.
Nelius remained working here until the company ceased to operate in 1981. Following that he was selected as a full time union official. His job would take him all over and he became a widely known and respected figure within union affairs.
Nelius married Mary in 1981 and was a great support to her when she was involved with the St. Vincent De Paul and the local bingo committee.
He was hugely bright and talented and would read the Irish Times from cover to cover each day. He was a great friend of the late Séamus Rodgers of Annagry, and like Séamus he was a staunch supporter of workers’ rights. With great courage and sincere commitment his devotion was to his union principals.
His funeral Mass took place in the Church of Christ the King, Gortahork on Saturday. Chief celebrant Fr. Seán was assisted by Fr, Brian Ó Fearraigh, P.P., Gaoth Dobhair. The soloist was Bridget Sweeney and she accompanied herself on the guitar. The lessons were read by Steve and Noreen and Fr. Brian read the gospel. The payers of the faithful were read by his daughter, Fiona and her husband, Joe and by Fiona Friel and Sarah Chambers.
Nelius was laid to rest afterwards in the adjacent cemetery.
He is survived by his wife Mary, his daughter Fiona and Stephen, his son, Joe and Amy, grandchildren, Conall, Danu, Caoilfhionn, Kacey and Shea and a circle of family and friends. Leaba i measc na naomh go raibh aige.
– Tommy Curran
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