Each year, we select an Irish woman or man who is remarkable in service, dedication and accomplishment. Sometimes readers know about those accomplishments integral to the honoree, sometimes they might be a little more hidden, except for those closest to them, but no less important and impactful.
This year’s iIrish Person of the Year is Kevin Coyne. A man mighty in stature, physically and with those accomplishments, but done with such grace that their significance and impact, felt long after the moment, evades the trumpet.
We can wax poetic about the poet, treat the toastmaster, and praise the funeral director, but those who know him best, know the best stories. God Bless Kevin Coyne, as He has blessed us, by blessed us, by having the high honor, of knowing Kevin.
My favorite gathering every year takes place on Saint Patrick’s Day. As I look back on the years I have celebrated the Irish heritage of friends and family, a couple specific memories stand out.
But the fondest memories are the toasts that Kevin Coyne does every year. Kevin embodies every trait of a good “Irishman.”
He is easy to talk to and always willing to offer a helping hand. He has a quick tongue, but never hostile, and when in his presence there is always laughter.
I have known Kevin since elementary school; my earliest memory of Kevin is listening to the “Irish Brigade” at the Immaculate Conception Oktoberfest back in the early 1980s.
Hearing that Kevin has been named iIrish Person of the Year feels right. He always embraces his Irish heritage, and everyone loves him for it.
So, in true Irish fashion, I would like to offer a toast: “To Kevin Coyne, the greatest Irishman I know. Slainte!” – Dan Anderson
Kevin is a great choice to be the iIrish Person of the Year. He is so proud of his Irish heritage and helps me to keep informed about Irish musicians, music, and Irish cultural events taking place in our community. He uses the social media so well to support businesses within the community and he is a good friend to so many people.
Kevin is a “people person” like his dad and relates well to everyone. As an employee at his dad’s funeral homes, he brings an Irish warmth and kindness to a family when they experience a loss. I know that he loves his own family, and he is so very proud of his two sons.
I doubt that he ever misses one of their sporting events and he is their biggest fan and cheerleader. Kevin also is a great bartender and makes you feel right at home whenever he works.
I know that he was so very proud of his dad when dad was chosen two years ago to be the Grand Marshal of the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. I am proud to know Kevin as this year’s iIrish Person of the Year. – Fr. Tom Johns
When I found out my good friend Kevin Coyne of McMahon-Coyne Funeral Home was named iIrish Person of the Year, my first thought came very quickly. It was simply; this makes sense. And I promise it’s not because the first thing he does when he walks into his family’s local Irish pub is make sure iIrish is stacked neatly in the rack (he really does this every time).
I met Kevin 25 years ago playing flag football. From the head-to-toe green jerseys to his big Irish family on the sidelines, his Westport, County Mayo family roots have always been pouring out of him. Many memorable games and a few trips to the pub later, I got to know him well.
Just like the hard-working Irish men and women of the past, Kevin is known for his work in our community as a dedicated funeral director who never seems to be off the clock when others need him most. His heart is as big as the Irish flags that hang outside their family businesses. His strength is always on display, especially when having to deal with friends, family and community members who might be running low on strength of their own.
Kevin is well known for always promoting all things Irish. Whether it’s a local Irish band in town, the Gerry Quinn Radio Show or an upcoming performance of his niece’s Irish dance school, you will find it promoted on Kevin’s social media. An Irishman through and through.
A true asset to the State of Ohio, Lake County and our tight knit community, I’m lucky to call Kevin Coyne a close friend. I look forward to our next pint together at Nora’s Public House. I’ll be sure to get there early and give Kevin another reason to check the iIrish stand.
Congratulations my friend, well deserved. – Lou Colagross
Kevin is my oldest son. He is a funeral director who is extremely proud of his Irish heritage and his family, especially his two sons, Liam and Padraig. I love his love of Irish music. I have always said to people that Kevin comes from the heart.
His kindness and caring for others extend far beyond his family and the funeral home. He inherited these traits from his Grandpa Coyne, who was a kind and gentle Irish man. Kevin is a great example of the term “Irish eyes,” which holds a special place in Irish culture. Most of the time you will see my Kevin wearing his tam and having a mischievous twinkle in his bright blue Irish eyes! – Mom
Congratulations to Kevin on being named iIrish Person of the Year. It is truly an honor that your family and friends can be proud of – especially your boys, Liam and Paddy.
I have had the honor of being friends with Kevin for close to 40 years. I could mention Kevin’s numerous athletic achievements on the gridiron at Lake Catholic, but this is more about Kevin as a person, and his love for everything Irish.
I always thought Kevin had a knack for remembering everyone’s name – well, it’s not just that he remembers everyone’s name – he just has so many friends! This goes hand-in-hand with Kevin’s reputation as a well-known prankster, he seemingly has an inside joke with every person on the east side of Cleveland.
On serious note, Kevin and I have shared many great times together, but maneuvering the difficult times is what makes Kevin unique. Kevin is excellent at his job as a funeral director, having worked with his dad at McMahon-Coyne Funeral Home since I have known him. Kevin recently said to me: “I feel like Dad and I have worked together for so long, I know his next move or his next word.”
I will always be indebted to Kevin for the care he has shown my family – and many others – in the times of greatest grief and sorrow. This is part of what makes my friend so lovable – the world needs more people like Kevin. And I am proud to call him my friend.
Kevin has a passion for Irish toasts, often creating his own toasts to celebrate each unique occasion. However, the Irish proverb that Kevin is perhaps most fond and encapsulates Kevin most is: “There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, and may they always be!”
Love you buddy, Cheers! – Larry McGarry Jr.
I am so happy and proud that my brother is the Irish person of the year 2025. He is so deserving of this award. Kevin is someone you can always call up and he will be there, not only for his parents, brothers, sisters, children and friends, but anyone in need. His love for his Irish heritage is one of the reasons we are all in touch with our cousins near (in Cleveland) and far (in Ireland).
Kevin loves his Irish toasts, so here is one for you. “May the roof above us never fall in, and those gathered beneath it never fall out.”
Love you, from your big sister. – Meghan Coyne Wickline.
Congratulations to my friend Kevin Coyne being named the iIrish Person of the Year. Certainly, a great choice for a guy who always puts others first with his online presence promoting local businesses and his family’s dedication to helping other families in their time need. Best wishes to Kevin and his family, and once again Congratulations! All the best Kevin! – Dan Chambers
The only thing that rivals the pride Kevin Coyne has for his family is his pride in his heritage. Kevin is the personification of an Irish American, always putting his family and friends first, working tirelessly and putting his sons above all else.
Always there to greet you with a smile, a handshake and his signature gesture… you always leave Kevin with a smile. Congratulations and Sláinte, my friend!
– Brendan Kearney
“Kevin, a funeral director, is extremely proud of his Irish heritage and his family, especially his two sons, Liam and Padraig. He plays Irish music every morning on his way to work and dropping his boys off at school!
Kevin’s kindness and caring extend far beyond his family and the funeral home. He inherited these traits from his Grandfather Coyne. Kevin is a great example of the term “Irish eyes,” which holds a special place in Irish culture as someone who has a mischievous twinkle in their eye!” – Nancy Coyne
Kevin Coyne is the ideal recipient for the iIrish’s Person of the Year award. Having known him and his family for over five decades, I’ve had the privilege of watching him rise to become one of Cleveland’s most respected businessmen and a passionate advocate for the Irish American community. His commitment to all things Irish is deeply admired by everyone who crosses his path.
From the moment you meet him, it feels as though you’ve known him for years. Kevin is the type of person who rarely asks for anything in return but is always eager to support individuals or organizations in need.
His pride in his Irish heritage is apparent wherever he goes and in everything he does. While you’ll undoubtedly see him attending Irish events this St. Patrick’s Day, his dedication to his root’s shines through year-round. Congratulations, Kevin, on this well-deserved honor. – Gerry Quinn
“Irish Love” what a better way to explain the way Kevin Coyne lives.
I get to see Kevin, almost every day, the real K.C., and as a funeral director – basically, one in the same, and he is always ready to help out a family, friend or stranger.
His priorities are this … Family, “IRISH,” Family, Friends …
He is sensitive, caring and supportive. He is a great dad and his sons; Liam & Paddy are everything to him.
He is a great funeral director, walking right alongside the family who is in need. He is “supportive” when that is what’s needed. He’s “kind” when you look overwhelmed, and you might just need a friend. He’ll say, “Do you need a hug?’ when he senses an attitude- whether you need it or not.
His “Irish Heritage” shines through every day, whether he’s sharing a song, singing it or posting something silly with Irish Music along with the MCV staff. He loves all Irish music and the artists.
His sense of humor is “unique,” and he usually gets more of a kick out of his “one-liners,” than most people. And he laughs …
He eats & breathes his Irish Heritage and is a strong, proud Irish guy! He gives a great “Irish Toast,” making them personal as a way to honor the people in his life …
A Toast to Kevin, o appropriate!! – Michelle Morgan
A toast by the toastmaster, to his family
I am so proud of my brother for getting this honor. I swear every day he does something to remind someone how proud he is to have Irish ancestry. Whether it’s something as simple as listening to an Irish song, taking a picture of a cloud shaped like a shamrock or telling us to turn on the Gerry Quinn Irish radio show.
From the time we were all kids, Aunt Mary Ellen and our dad always reminded us of our Irish roots; that has stuck with Kevin his whole life. Kevin is very proud to be THEE Irish Funeral Home of the east side. I always say Kevin is my big little brother. He’s always being a goofball, making jokes with everyone in the community, but when it’s time to turn on his compassion, he’s got one of the biggest hearts.
I know he’s always there for people in need and he’s there for his family when they need him. There’s never a time that Kevin is in the room, and you don’t know it, you can hear him with an Ole’ chant or he will come right up to you and shake your hand or give you a hug.
I’m proud of all his accomplishments in life, and I’m so thankful that he’s always been a supporter of his two baby brothers and their restaurants.
He’s the reason why so many of us have been lucky to be successful. Every year, Kevin puts on an Irish wake at my restaurant, and it’s the busiest night of the year; people are there not only to remember their loved ones, but because Kevin does it in such a loving way, like no other funeral director around can.
Kevin, God bless you and congratulations on such an awesome big honor!!!
Love you ☘️❤️ – Seamus Coyne
