Funeral takes place for Kilkenny colleague, leader and friend - Ian Coulter

Kilkenny has lost a great friend, with the death of Rev Ian Coulter.

Originally an Offaly man, Ian not only made Kilkenny his home but embraced the county and all its communities with his enthusiastic and warm friendship and support.

The news of Ian’s sudden passing, last Saturday, was greeted with shock and a deep sadness. He was a man that was generous with his time and interest and a deep sense of social justice, which saw him involved in many groups and organisations across the county. The many friends he made there was seen in the outpouring of grief at his loss.

Ian was also an ordained canon of St Canice’s Cathedral, most recently with the title of Canon Treasurer, as well as priest-in-charge of the Templemore Union of Parishes in the Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory.

Married to Daphne, Ian was a devoted husband and father to Rian, Ailbhe and the late Eavan. He was incredibly proud of his family - bringing Rian to Kilkenny Rotary Club as a speaker and, last summer, combining his role as father and canon as he both ‘gave away’ and officiated at the wedding of his daughter Ailbhe to her husband Ross.

In his working life and in his community activities, Ian gave himself wholeheartedly. Among the many words of condolence to his family were messages from those who had worked with him in the Credit Union, the Citizens Advice Board and National Rehabilitation Board (NRB). Ian first came to Kilkenny in 1979 to work with the NRB.

He was involved in the Citizens Information Board, from which he retired in 2019. In 1985, he joined the Board of Kilkenny Arts Week, which he went on to chair in 1992 and in 1997. Ian was involved with St Canice’s Credit Union for more than 30 years.

In 2000 Ian was ordained as a priest in the Church of Ireland. A “conscientious priest and caring pastor,” he “was loved by the parishioners in the various parishes in the Diocese in which he served for over 26 years as a non-stipendiary minister,” the Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory paid tribute.

Dean of St Canice’s Cathedral, the Very Rev. Stephen Farrell added: “He was a devoted Chapter member who had deep affection for the cathedral and a grá for its music and its place in the life of the city.
“As a friend he was a listening ear, full of great stories and deeply insightful. You could have total trust in his wisdom and his discretion.”

Ian was a former president of the Rotary Club of Kilkenny and the heartbeat of the club’s annual Christmas Eve Remembrance Service. Current club president, Sian Moloughney said Ian was a dedicated Rotarian who was always so full of life, cheerful, supportive and great company at all Rotary events. The club organised a Guard of Honour at his funeral service.

The Board, Director and whole team at Butler Gallery added to the tributes that “Ian was the best of men - kind, helpful and enthusiastic with such a positive spirit and a zest for life.”

Noel Sherry, CEO of the Good Shepherd Centre, paid tribute to the centre’s former chairperson. “Ian gave so much of himself to the people of Kilkenny. His dedication to helping those experiencing homelessness was unwavering. We were privileged to have him as a colleague, a leader and a friend.”

Ian was also a founding director of Tar Isteach Housing, formerly known as the Kilkenny Voluntary Housing Association. His vision and determination helped shape vital housing supports, leaving a legacy that continues to provide safety and dignity to those in need.

Ian will be missed by his family, son-in-law Ross, brother Derek and his wife Elizabeth, nieces Lisa and Grace and their husbands Barry and David, his extended family and a wide circle of friends.
Funeral takes place today (Wednesday, November 26) in St Canice’s Cathedral at 2pm, followed by interment in St Kieran’s Cemetery.