Herald opinion: The loss of a true community activist
The late Cllr Anthony Waldron. Pic: Liam Reynolds
The sudden death of Independent councillor Anthony Waldron on Sunday morning has truly shocked the local political world and the many communities who benefitted from his work and representations.
Cllr Waldron was a decent, hard-working and conscientious politician. A lifelong community activist, he loved Roscommon to the core and was always keen to promote the county at every opportunity.
As Roscommon County Council Chief Executive Shane Tiernan said in his tribute, Cllr Waldron believed passionately in what County Roscommon had to offer through its history, heritage and natural amenities.
For those who knew the councillor, they were very aware of his significant contribution to so many projects, all of which were for the betterment of local communities.
He was probably best known for being one of the key architects behind the development of the Suck Valley Way as an important tourism and recreational attraction in the county.
The true depth of his community work became apparent to the wider public following his sad passing. Accordingly, it’s no surprise that so many local community groups have paid tribute to a man who has left a lasting impact in their areas.
Cllr Waldron was also a proud champion of rural Ireland, and a very vocal advocate on rural crime and rural isolation. He was the brainchild behind ‘The Rambling House’, a social initiative catering for people living in isolation and/or experiencing loneliness.
He had planned to further develop this initiative and roll it out to a wider audience beyond the county. Let’s hope that will happen as a lasting tribute to him.
Among the many political tributes, the words of former councillor Gareth Scahill had added poignancy. He spoke about Cllr Waldron’s excitement on Friday when he heard about the news of his own appointment to Seanad Éireann.
Senator Scahill, who described him as a friend, colleague and an advisor, said the late councillor’s legacy of work spoke volumes for the man.
It is a legacy that will ensure he is long remembered by so many in his beloved county.
