Sadness at sudden passing of former Roscommon mayor who put 'people before politics'
The late Mr Martin Connaughton.
The death occurred suddenly, but peacefully on his farm in Athleague on Monday of Mr Martin Connaughton, Main Street, Athleague, former Fianna Fail county councillor and mayor of County Roscommon.
First elected to Roscommon County Council in 1999, Mr Connaughton was re-elected in 2004 and again in 2009. He served as mayor of the county from 2013 to 2014 before stepping down at that year’s local elections.
The late Mr Connaughton has been described in various tributes as a tireless worker for the community in his role as councillor and mayor of Roscommon who will be missed around the village of Athleague and in Roscommon.
The late Mr Connaughton's son, Ivan, also a former councillor who followed in his father's footsteps and was elected to Roscommon County Council in 2014, before stepping down in 2019, has described his father as "a larger than life character".
Ivan added that the Connaughton family are very grateful for the kindness and friendship shown to Martin throughout his 80 years. "He loved people and people loved him. Many stories will be told about his life that evolved around family, farming, community, politics and the game of 25. His political slogan at election time was always 'People before Politics'. He kept to his word."
Mr Connaughton is remembered by neighbours and friends as “a legend, an obliging and decent and enjoyable neighbour and a good friend. Always intelligent and funny and always willing to offer to do a good turn for a neighbour.”
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.
Martin’s remains will repose at Hamrock’s Funeral Home, Athleague (F42 CC92) on Wednesday (May 22nd) from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Funeral Mass on Thursday ( May 23rd) in St. Patrick's Church, Athleague, at 12 noon, followed by burial in Athleague Cemetery.
