On Tuesday last May 22nd 2012, Breda Coveney, late of Loughbeg, was laid to rest at Barnahalley Cemetery, after Requien Mass at the Church of The Immaculate Heart of Mary in Shanbally.
Breda was wife of Jerh. Coveney, one of the great pioneering Under Age Coaches in the history of The Shamrock Club. He started in the late 1950’s and in the 1960’s he coached the Club’s Under 14 Hurling teams to five successive South-East Cork Titles and two County Titles. Breda was a native of Carrigaline, and when Jerh was training the Teams, she would cycle to Ringaskiddy to meet him. In those days the teams trained in the old Naval Recreational Grounds beyond Hosford’s Avenue. Just about 100 yards from the pitch there was a great old Oak tree and she would wait for him there.
Her Mass was said by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. John Newman. The cermony was a complete celebration of 53 years of marriage to Jerh, her magnificent family, Helen, Theresa, Pauline and Brendan and of course her grandchildren too who meant so much to her. Breda was a wonderful caring wife and mother, she was very much into the outdoors with flowers, vegetables and Country Markets. Travel was another hobby and no destination was too far or too big. She enjoyed the game of Bridge for many years where she build up many lasting friendships. Her Mass was very fittingly opened with a magnificent rendering of that great May Hymn, imortalised by the great Scottish Tenor Canon Sydney McEwan, “Queen of the May”. The huge attendances at both her removal and funeral bore true testimony to the great qualities of this very dear lady.
Ar dheis De go raibh a hAnam dilis.