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By Michelle Crean

There was great sadness in the town over the weekend with the news of the death of centenarian John Coffey.

John, from Lewis Road, passed away peacefully on Friday last in the Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee, after a short illness.

Funeral Mass took place on Monday morning followed by burial afterwards in Aghadoe Cemetery.

Just last August, John, who was the last of 12 children born to Jeremiah and Nora Coffey (nee O’Connell) in Carnahone, Beaufort, celebrated his 100^th birthday with family who travelled from all over Ireland, Australia and America for an enormous party in Killarney Golf and Fishing Club.

His daughter Mary this week paid tribute to her father saying he showed great positivity and gratitude throughout his long life.

“My dad had great positivity and gratitude for everything in life. We were fortunate to have him for so long and in such good health.”

She added that she’d like to thank Dr Donal Coffey, Ross Medical Practice, O’Shea’s Funeral Home, the Bon Secours and the people of Killarney for coming out in such numbers for his funeral.

“I’d also like to thank the Presentation nuns who were so welcoming to him as he went to Mass there every morning.”

John was predeceased by his wife Kitty, and sons Denis and John Joe. He is survived by his children Dermot, Noreen and Mary, grandchildren and extended family.