Shock as Irish couple described as 'soul mates' die just two days apart

Tributes are continuing this week after a married couple in Co Offaly died just two days apart.

Steve Coughlan died on Sunday, June 23. His wife Geraldine died unexpectedly just two days later on Tuesday, June 25. The couple lived in Tullamore and there has been a huge outpouring of grief in the town since the news filtered through.

The couple are sadly missed by their loving family Amanda, Jenny, Mark and Nikki, sons in law Martin and JP, daughter in law Tara, her adored 13 grandchildren.

Their bodies reposed together at O'Reilly's Funeral Home, Harbour Street, Tullamore, on Thursday with their cremation ceremony taking place early on Friday. 

Tributes have been flooding in for both Steve and Geraldine. 

One condolence on RIP.ie read: "My sincere condolences to the Coughlan and Fitzpatrick Families on the sudden passing of Geraldine so soon after Steve's passing. Soul mates in life now reunited in Heaven, two lovely people gone too soon.
Rest easy, Geraldine & Steve."

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Another person wrote: "We are so sorry to hear of your incredible loss. Our heartfelt sympathies to the Coughlan and Fitzpatrick families. May Geraldine and Steve rest together in Peace."

A third said: "Sincere sympathy to Imelda, and the Fitzpatrick and Coughlan families on the untimely deaths of Geraldine and Stephen. May God give you the strength to carry you through this terrible time. May they both rest in peace."

A community GoFundMe fundraiser set up to raise finance for funeral costs for the Coughlan family in Tullamore has already exceeded its target of €10,000.

"We as a community have come together to set this up to try help the Coughlan family as much as we can at this very hard time. Anything big or small will be very much appreciated," the GoFundMe page explained.