Denis Naughten pays emotional tribute at brother’s funeral

Denis Naughten paid an emotional tribute today at his brother John’s Funeral Mass, saying that his “little brother” had three great loves: family, farming and politics.

Mourners at St. Brigid’s Church in Drum heard that the late Cllr John Naughten loved his wife Breda, daughters Emma, Leah, and Orlaith, and he “loved the soil, where he came from, and his community”.

Deputy Denis Naughten said his brother's third great love was politics. “He had a great statistical brain, but his real love of politics was connecting with people. As one of the many thousands of condolence messages put it: he was a good friend, always in good humour and with a big smile."

“He had empathy with people and was extremely approachable, respectful and would always try hard to find a solution to people's problems."

During his address in a packed church, Deputy Naughten said that growing up a year apart in rural Ireland, he and John did everything together.

“Football; He was much better. Athletics; He was much faster, and even in politics, I would slag him about his popularity, pointing out that I would never get the vote that he would get across the local ballot boxes, and John's response, ‘you're covering a bigger area’. But it wasn't that, and he knew it. John just had a way about him, a way in which he was instantly connecting with people.

“He was his own man and did things in his own quiet and effective way. You simply could not fall out with John even if you tried.” 

Mr Naughten said that the reason that his brother was so unique was because he gave out an abundance of something “we all see and never have enough of, and that was time”.

“John had time for everyone, regardless of who you were, and regardless of what he was doing so. I ask each and everyone of you here today to follow John's example, to share a little of that time that John gave so generously to all of us.

“We have lost a father, a husband, a son, brother, an uncle, a neighbour, a colleague. But most of all, we have lost a true and loyal friend. We will miss all the advice that John has given us. 

"His witty sense of humour, his company but most of all, his infectious smile. Sleep well, little brother.” 

Chief celebrant, Fr John Deignan, told the congregation that John's sudden passing has “left our community in shock as we grapple with the void left by a man who was a pillar of strength and support for so many.

“His devotion to his family was matched only by his commitment to the well-being of those around him. Throughout his life, he demonstrated a profound sense of service always putting the needs of others before himself,” he said.

“As we come together to honour John's memory at this Funeral Mass, let us reflect on the joy he brought into our lives and the many ways he made our community a better place.

“May we find solace in our shared memories and the legacy that John leaves behind, continuing to carry forth his spirit of love, compassion and service in our hearts,” said Fr. Deignan.

During the Mass, symbols of Mr Naughten’s life were brought to the altar including a family photograph representing his love of family; a toy tractor and the Farmer’s Journal representing his love of farming and the land; Clann na nGael and Liverpool football jerseys representing his love of sport, a box of teag bags and a packet of Rich Tea biscuits symbolising his love of a cuppa and mementoes representing his long record of public service.

Many people across political and community life attended today’s Mass, including senior Government Ministers. An Taoiseach Simon Harris was represented by his Aide-de-camp, Commandant Claire Mortimer.

Assisting Fr Deignan in today’s Funeral Mass were Father Seán Neylon, Fr Shay Casey, Fr Ray Milton, Fr Donal Morris, Fr Christopher Edebiang,; Fr Michael Hickey, and Deacons Tony Larkin and Willie Gacquin.

Following the Funeral Mass the late Fine Gael councillor  was  laid to rest in Drum Cemetery.