RIP: 'Much loved and respected' former Longford teacher fondly remembered

Tributes have been paid to a much-respected former teacher and GAA coach who was among the original group of teachers at Moyne Community School when it opened in 1974.

Joe Cox of Derrylaney, Teemore, Fermanagh, and formerly of Legga, Moyne, Longford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family last Saturday September 12.

A teacher at Moyne CS for many years before retiring around 2009, he was described as a loyal GAA man who was involved with the local club, playing for a period before later taking on a coaching role where he guided and mentored many young players.

Former colleagues and students have paid tribute to the man described as “a great character and full of wit.”

In a sentiment echoed by many, one former colleague wrote, “It was with a great sense of sadness that I learned of Joe's death, a valued colleague and friend from Moyne Community School. There was always a lively discussion when Joe was in the company.”

Another former colleague said, “Saddened to hear of the death of Joe, who was a colleague of mine in Moyne CS. He was always full of history, wit and knowledge and had a great interest in traditional music and song, which we often discussed at length.”

A former student wrote, “Have lovely memories of Joe during my school days in Moyne. So happy to have called to see him in the Mens Shed in Belturbet for a great catch up. May he Rest in Peace.”

Among the GAA clubs offering sympathies included Longford’s Dromard GAA and Fermanagh’s Teemore Shamrocks.

The Teemore Shamrocks, Joe’s club in Fermanagh, reflected on his distinguished GAA career.

They wrote, “As a teenager, Joe entered an apprenticeship with the RAF, which curtailed his GAA activities due to the then-current ban on members of the Crown Forces. On leaving the RAF following completion of his apprenticeship, Joe took up a teacher training post in Trench House, Belfast.”

“From there, in the early 1970s, he became eligible to play for his beloved Teemore Shamrocks. Known throughout the county as a fearless centre half-forward, Joe possessed the agility, skill and guile to unsettle even the strongest defences. He played a significant part in a memorable era for Teemore, when the club went on to win back-to-back Senior Championships in 1974 and 1975.”

Joe was sadly predeceased by his wife Collette, nee Clarke, in January 2020, and by his daughter, Lorraine in July 2022.

He is deeply missed by his children Brendan, Fionnuala, grandchildren, Aoife, Ethan, Odhran, Thomas, Saorcha, Aisling and Lewis and his circle of family and friends.

Joe’s Funeral Mass, which can be viewed here, will take place at 12 noon tomorrow Wednesday September 15 in St Mary’s Church, Teemore following removal from his home in Derrylaney.

Burial will take place in the adjoining church cemetery.

Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, to Diabetes UK c/o Patrick Blake Funeral Directors or any family member.