Athlone mourns prominent and much-loved local businessman

The death has occurred of Hugh Lawlor, one of Athlone's most prominent and popular businesspeople.

The popular hairdresser, whose family-run business Lawlor Hair and Beauty is located on Sean Costello Street, had been a prominent member of the town's business community for the last 65 years.

His passing was announced on the salon’s Facebook page this morning.

A post said: “With great sadness we announce the passing of our wonderful Dad Hugh Lawlor. Hugh passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

"The salon will be closed today Wednesday 9th March and Friday the 11th of March .

"Funeral arrangements will be posted at a later time on Rip.ie.”

Hugh celebrated his 90th birthday in October last.

He opened his first salon in Irishtown in 1956 and went on to reach the pinnacle of his profession in this country by becoming President of the Irish Hairdressers Federation in 1983.

Hugh was a long-time advocate for traders in the centre of Athlone and chaired the Irishtown and Mardyke Street Traders Association for many years, while also maintaining involvement in community and voluntary groups.

He was still working as a hairdresser up until relatively recently and the business is now being run by his daughters, Niamh and Jacqueline. He had two sons, Ian, who also went into the hairdressing business, opening his own salon in Hong Kong, and Damian.

Hugh was also a proud grandfather to Aideen, Caoimhe, Cliona, James, Eirinn, Shauna, Rian, Alexandra, Aoibh and Artan.

May he rest in peace.