| The History of Coagh booklet lists Private Joseph Cooney as having served with the Royal Munster Fusiliers in the war. This is believed to be John Cooney.
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| Private Cooney’s mother lived in Kilmascally, Ardboe.
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| The 1901 census lists a John Cooney as age 12, living with his aunt, Mary Cooney, at house 12 in Killywoolaghan, Killycolpy, Ardboe.
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| Private Cooney went to the front in early 1916. He was wounded twice at the Somme, but, up till early 1918, had come through many subsequent heavy engagements unhurt.
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| The local newspaper in February 1918 that Private John Cooney of the Royal Munster Fusiliers has been at home on leave.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 16th February 1918: Private John Cooney
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| Private John Cooney, Royal Munster Fusiliers, who has been at home on leave, with his mother, who resides at Kilmascally, Ardboe. Private Cooney has been on active service for over two years, and has seen a lot of heavy fighting. He was wounded twice at the Somme, but has come through many subsequent heavy engagements unhurt. He speaks highly of the marksmanship of the British gunners, and says the Germans, in that respect, are not a match for them at all. The regiment Private Cooney belongs to possesses one of the finest fighting records in the British army. Private Cooney, who looks extremely fit, has again gone off to join his regiment in France after his well-earned rest at home, where his many friends gathered to give him a very hearty send off, and all join in wishing him a speedy and safe return.
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| Private John Cooney survived the war. He was about 29 years old when the war ended.
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