Local Senator pays tribute to late father

A local Senator has paid an emotional tribute to her late father on his passing.

Ballinasloe-based Senator Aisling Dolan posted on Facebook this week following the death of her father, Anthony (Tony) Dolan, Poolboy, Ballinasloe.

"We have all lost something incredibly special in the West," she wrote.

Describing him as "a true gentleman" and "a wonderful husband and father", Senator Dolan said he was "full of spirit, heart, knowledge and stories."

Stating that her father had a love of the land, music and songs. A Poolboy & Ballinasloe man with a grá for family and friends in towns near & far.

"Celebrate his memory with a song in his honour," she asked, thanking people for their thoughts, prayers and kindness to the family.

Anthony Dolan passed away on Monday, peacefully in the presence of his loving family in the exceptional care of the Galway Hospice after a brief illness. Predeceased by sister Maureen and brother Paddy. Beloved husband of Teresa, father to Aisling, Brian, Darragh and David. A kind and caring husband and father. Sadly and deeply missed, forever loved by his wife Teresa, sons and daughter, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, neighbours and friends. Always in our thoughts and prayers.

He was laid to rest today at Creagh Cemetery, following funeral mass at St. Michael's Church, Ballinasloe.