The Quintessential Boilerman!

The late Kieran Cowman, Technical Director at Euro Gas, was the quintessential boilerman, known and respected by all in the industry as the “go to” guy with heating problems. He worked in the sector for much of his life but, it was when he joined Euro Gas in 2004 that he found his work home. This is where he really became “the boilerman”.

As his daughter, Ruth, recalled during her wonderful address at his memorial service, boilers were something he was passionate about. He loved pointing out those buildings Euro Gas had supplied heating systems to, often indicating flue pipes and saying: “Jesus, would you look at the flue on that building.” He would actually bring her in to boiler rooms to enthuse, or otherwise, about the installation. To a 14 year-old girl that did not seem like the most fascinating thing, but she always marvelled at his enthusiasm. He was a man with more pictures of boiler parts and boiler rooms on his phone than his family!

Just like in other areas of his life, when it came to boilers and heating systems, Kieran was always there to help, even after many years when warranties would have run out. He always had time to talk and engage with his clients, and not just about work, but also about family and life in general.

These qualities were not just reserved for clients and suppliers, but also for his work colleagues. Kieran was very proud of the people he worked alongside and always appreciated the good nature and helpful attitude which was abundant throughout the office. These traits were in no small part down to his own approach to people – always on hand to help out with difficult situations, and always first in line to arrange a great company social.

That said, Kieran was far more than the quintessential boilerman and businessman. He was a dedicated husband, father, sibling, son and friend.

Born in Walkinstown, Dublin 12, he and his siblings had an idyllic childhood with great summers in O’Driscoll’s Caravan Park in Brittas Bay. Those joyous summers were passed down to his own family in conjunction with his dad.

Apparently, Kieran was always fond of fire, starting in his youth with lighting matches under his bed in Donegal. In Brittas he was a bit more responsible and became known as the Bonfire King. He provided the spark that brought everyone in the field around the camp-fire, sharing laughs, jokes, songs, performances and marshmallows into the early hours. Kieran loved to go for a wander onto someone’s deck right before dinner and, when sent to find him, Ruth would search out his infectious laugh as a honing signal.

In his early 20s, Kieran loved cycling, windsurfing, sailing, skiing and – most of all – his beloved motorbike. When the children were growing up, he reluctantly bought a motor car. However, he always looked longingly at motorbikes passing by, and one day in his fifties – much to the horror of the family – he came home on a motorbike and wearing leathers. He loved going on little trips at weekends and some longer journeys too.

His foray into boat ownership was less successful, however. When he and a friend bought a boat from a “random fella”, it was not just missing a few bits and pieces, but had a significant hole in the bottom.

With skiing, he fared a bit better, especially on the personal front.

Not only did he meet his two best friends Paul and Alison, but also his wife, Jean. When they were all at a wedding in Ireland a year later, it was Alison who badgered him into asking Jean to dance. That was the beginning of a lifelong, loving partnership. They enjoyed doing simple things together such as a trip out to Dún Laoghaire on a Sunday. They had similar values and goals and they didn’t need much. They could see what was really important to them.

Kieran was also a dedicated, supportive father, encouraging both Ruth and Luke to pursue their dreams and aspirations, no matter what direction it took them in.

As challenging as the last two and a half years have been since Kieran’s diagnosis, his family and friends feel like they have gained an extra two and a half years. Together, they made the most of every small and big moment. Kieran got to hear all the nice things said about himself when he got his diagnosis, and had three great summers at his favourite place, Brittas Bay, before he finally passed in November 2023.

No doubt, he is fondly remembered by everyone he came into contact with.

Ar dheis Dé go Raibh a Anam.