Live While You Can
Fr Tony Coote was just fifty-three years old in February 2018 when he was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease. Just a few short months later, he found himself confined to a wheelchair. But rather than succumbing to the darkness that threatened to overwhelm him in the days after his diagnosis, he drew on his powerful faith and unwavering belief in life and found a way to light, hope and acceptance.
From growing up in Fairview, to serving in the dioceses in Ballymun and later Mount Merrion and Kilmacud, and his charity work while in UCD, Fr Tony takes us on the journey of his life and shows us how, through this devastating illness, he came to know the true meaning and nature of God's love.
Sadly, Tony passed away on the 28 August 2019 but his memoir and his message of hope, strength and unwavering faith live on.
'Our lives will never be measured in words spoken or success achieved but rather how we live and how our life has affected those around us.' Fr Tony Coote
Fr Tony Coote was Parish Priest in the parish of Mount Merrion and Kilmacud in Dublin, Ireland,
where he lived since 2008. In July 2019, just months after being diagnosed with Motor
Neuron Disease, Tony organised and took part in Walk While You Can, a fundraising walk from
Letterkenny, County Donegal to Ballydehob, County Cork to raise money and awareness of the
disease. The walk of over 550 kilometres received national attention with Tony completing the journey in his wheelchair. In December 2018, Tony was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from UCD for outstanding service to the community recognising the role he played with the now nationwide student-led mental health movement 'Please Talk', and for his work in setting up UCD Volunteer Overseas.
Fr Tony Coote passed away on the 28 August 2019, leaving behind him a legacy of friendship and love.