Late Mr Martin Connaughton: ‘Anyone who met him left with a memory they would never forget’

Former Fianna Fáil county councillor and Mayor of Roscommon County Council Martin Connaughton was laid to rest this afternoon (Thursday) in his beloved village of Athleague.

Mr Martin Connaughton’s Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Patrick's Church, Athleague where the former politician’s lasting legacy was recalled. Following the Funeral Mass he was laid to rest in Athleague Cemetery.

First elected to Roscommon County Council in 1999, Mr Connaughton was re-elected in 2004 and again in 2009. He served as mayor from 2013 to 2014 before stepping down at that year’s local election.

Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin expressed his sympathies in person with the family on Wednesday.

Mr Connaughton’s son Ivan, also a former councillor, told those gathered that his father lived life to the fullest.

“Where does one start and finish? Today we celebrate the life of Martin Connaughton and on behalf of my family I am honoured to speak about a life well lived that revolved around family, farming, community, politics, the game of 25 and most of all people. He loved meeting people and anyone who met him left with a memory they would never forget,” he noted.

Fr Eugene McLoughlin also stated that Mr. Connaughton’s passing was a sad time for the locality with the loss of a kind and well respected presence.

“Martin was well known and loved. He was warm, friendly and likeable. He was also a great community man. A wise and respected politician. A hard working farmer. A friend to many. We enjoyed his handshake, his smile and his light, hearty stories,” Fr McLoughlin stated.

Predeceased by his loving wife, Josephine (née Fannon) and his parents, Thomas & Delia, he will be sadly missed by his family, daughter Aoife (Damien); sons, Paul (Caroline), Neil (Marguerite), Mervyn (Caroline) and Ivan (Eimear); grandchildren, Ben, Martin, Katie, Cian, Abbie, Emma, Ray and Oisín; brothers ,Tom, Noel and Clement; sisters, Olive, Frances, and Patricia; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours and his large circle of loyal friends.