Ray Coyle viewed wealth as a way to improve the lives of the community around him, funeral hears

Tayto Park founder laid to rest

Tayto Park founder, Raymond Coyle, viewed wealth not as personal gain but as a way of improving the lives of those around him and remembering where he came from, his home, his community and his friends, his funeral Mass in Curraha Church was told this morning (Thursday).

"There were many who benefited from his generosity and help, whether it was summer employment in the factory or in the park, that little bit of extra money to get into college, local farmers or helping sports clubs to name but a few," Fr Kevin Heery, PP, Curraha, told the congregation

The funeral Mass, which saw huge crowds of mourners outside his local parish church, was also attended by Rev Paul Bogle, rector, Trim and Athboy.

Ray Coyle died on Wednesday of last week in his 70th year in the Mater Hospital, in his 70th year.

He is survived by his wife, Rosamond, children Charles and Natalya, son-in-law Arthur Lanigan O'Keeffe, his brother John, sisters Jennifer and Charlotte, and extended family.

"We are brought together by the shock of the news of the passing of Raymond - a giant in the world of enterprise, entrepreneurship both internationally and here at home - an unstoppable force in business and the boardroom, and in the community as well," said Fr Heery.

"No doubt, there was many a smile erupting from recalling the hard bargaining in management meetings in those boardrooms over the years.

"He took a huge theme park and named it after Ireland's most nostalgic of foods. When you are thinking 'what do I want to remind me of home?' We have Tayto.

"That was Raymond's mightly vision. "

"We thank God for that strong personality, those gifts and talents and vision - and that sense of humour that caught many unsuspecting victims unaware. Precious stories and memoires were recalled and shared these past few days bringing us smiles of recollection and sadness.

"His greatest venture was the venture of his family, entering into the sacrament of marriage with Roz on 18th June, 35 years ago, and making those sacred vows between husband and wife for better, for worse, in sickness, in health until the moment only death separates.

"Whether in a different country, attending board meetings or whatever was occupying him, time was always there for his children."

"Raymond made a difference in our lives - a difference that filled so much of us with sadness on the news of his passing last week," he said.

A large crowd attended the funeral at St Andrew's Church, Curraha, including Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, Lord Alex Mountcharles, and former presidential election candidate, Sean Gallagher, as well as neighbours, friends, and employees of Tayto Park.

Pupils of Curraha NS provided a guard of honour.

A private burial followed.