#AlexCoughlan Has Been Laid To Rest On His Birthday... In a cruel twist of fate, Alex Coughlan has been laid to rest on his 38th birthday (May 30th, 2026). This specific date was incidental, as his loved ones did not have Alex returned to them until Friday May 29th. RTE were in attendance this morning. No other media appeared to be present. RTE's attendance felt like a box-ticking exercise: standing, arms folded, across the carpark of Stafford's funeral home in Ballyfermot, gazing at the mourners gathered, as a faded Irish flag flew on a pole nearby, tethered by a single cable tie. They reported little on the touching aspects of what was to be a celebration of Alex's life. The omissions feel calculated and in keeping with the lack of overall coverage of Alex's death. They published a short, dispassionate article about what was an incredibly moving service. I have, at the time of writing this piece, found no other articles online about the funeral itself—not even a mere mention today that it was taking place. The service for Alex was open to all, and this fact further indicates that what RTE and other media have not reported illustrates a lack of respect and a desire to conceal, as opposed to a desire to honour privacy. In the wake of his passing, RTE (purposely?) reported inaccurate details, leading to incorrect speculation and victim-blaming (which caused further unnecessary pain for his loved ones) around the circumstances of the day Alex left his home (and did not return until yesterday, where he lay in repose). Now, that is quite enough about the government's mouthpiece. Today is about Alex. Mourners were asked to make May 30th Alex's day. Everyone who gathered was asked to sing "Happy Birthday." As tears are not usually seen when singing "Happy Birthday," it was a well-wish like no other, for a human being who, for many there, was like no other. The words were sung in a heartfelt manner, with the sad realisation that he should be here celebrating. The backdrop behind the casket (with a single red rose upon it) was the Irish tricolour with lighting that subdued the green, white, and orange as it stood, standing in silent guard, as Alex made his final departure. Pictures and clips of a smiling Alex and his family, friends, and significant life events played throughout the service. He was spoken of as the glue that held his family together. It was clear Alex was a shining and guiding light in the lives of many. The celebrant spoke of the necessity to ensure that the circumstances leading to Alex's untimely departure be prevented, so that no family ever has to suffer such a loss again. In the final minutes, all who gathered were asked to sing "Ireland's Call" as family members carried Alex's coffin upon their shoulders past the crowd. He had been a proud Ireland rugby supporter in life. It goes without saying, an abundance of tears fell throughout the service, but particularly during singing. Upon leaving, people were asked to have a shot of his favourite tipple in Alex's honour (Jameson and Coke) as they made their way out. Alex was brought to Glasnevin Cemetery for a private cremation. If you are reading this, raise a toast for Alex today, who will be forever young at 38. #SpeakHisName #RememberHim PLEASE KEEP COMMENTS CONSIDERATE, AS ALEX'S LOVED ONES MAY COME ACROSS THEM. By Susanne Delaney "Ireland’s Call Come the day and come the hour Come the power and the glory We have come to answer Our Country's call From the four proud provinces of Ireland Ireland, Ireland Together standing tall Shoulder to shoulder We'll answer Ireland's call From the four proud provinces of Ireland Ireland, Ireland Together standing tall Shoulder to shoulder We'll answer Ireland's call Hearts of steel And heads unbowing Vowing never to be broken We will fight, until We can fight no more From the four proud provinces of Ireland Ireland, Ireland Together standing tall Shoulder to shoulder We'll answer Ireland's call."show more
