The late Cllr Naughten was a ‘decent, honourable person in every way’

The late Cllr John Naughten was a “decent, honourable person in every way”, Frank Feighan has said.

The Fine Gael TD said he was stunned when he received the news of Cllr Naughten's passing on Friday.

“His loss is felt far and wide, most especially by his wife Breda and daughters Emma, Leah and Orlaith,” the TD said.

He described Cllr Naughten as a decent, honourable person in every way, as a family man, a farmer, and a public representative for over 20 years.

“As an Oireachtas member representing Roscommon for over 20 years, I found John to be a good colleague and friend, personable and hardworking, ensuring his community’s needs were always on the agenda of any developments for the county,” he continued.

“If history were to take a different course, I firmly believe John Naughten would have succeeded in following in the footsteps of Denis and his late father Liam in being elected to Dáil Éireann but alas that wasn’t to be, and now we now must mourn this terrible loss.” 

He extended his deepest sympathy to his wife, daughters and his extended family especially Deputy Naughten.

One of Cllr Naughten’s closest colleagues and friends on the council, Laurence Fallon, also paid tribute, describing his passing as a huge loss.

“South Roscommon and the surrounding areas has been thrust into great shock and sadness by the sudden passing of my friend and colleague Cllr John Naughten,” the independent councillor said.

“John came to our farm when he was 19 years old to begin a three month stint on farm placement, and from then until last Thursday night, we were in regular communication about farming, politics and general happenings in South Roscommon. Always sociable, friendly with a bit of banter, his passing will be a huge loss to all who knew him.” 

Cllr Micheál Frain said Cllr Naughten was an “exemplary public representative”.

“I have known John for many years, and since June, I have had the privilege of working alongside him as a fellow member of Roscommon County Council and the North Western Regional Assembly,” Cllr Frain said.

“Throughout the time I’ve known him, John was always sincere, friendly, and deeply committed to Roscommon and its people.”