"He loved people and people loved him"

Many warm tributes have been paid to the memory of former Roscommon Mayor and long-time Fianna Fail Cllr, Martin Connaughton, who passed away suddently at his home in Athleague on Monday of this week.

Known throughout South Roscommon for his engaging political slogan of “people before politics” the late Martin Connaughton has been remembered this week as a local politician who truly did put people before politics, making him one of the most highly-regarded politicians of his generation.

Ivan Connaughton, who followed in the footsteps of his father by also serving as a Cllr on Roscommon County Council from 2014 to 2021,, paid a touching tribute to his late Dad whom he described as “a larger than life character” and someone who “loved people and people loved him.”

Mr. Connaghton said his family were very grateful for “all the kindness and friendshp” shown to his father throughout his 80 years, during which his life revolved around “family, farming, community, politics and the game of 25.” He also pointed out that he “kept to his word” of putting people before politics during his long political career.

Known for his quick wit and great sense of humour, the late Martin Connaughton was described this week as “a legend” by current Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council and fellow Fianna Fail Cllr, John Keogh, who expressed his condolences to the wider Connaughton family. “May his memory be a blessing” said Cllr Keogh.

Among the many tributes paid to the much-loved Athleague man this week were those from friends, neighbours and political colleagues, in which he was described as “always intelligent and funny” and “an obliging and decent and ejoyable neighbour” who was always willing and ready to offer to do a good turn for those in need.

As well as being a politican, the late Martin Connaughton was also a well-known sheep farmer in South Roscommon, and he forged strong ties with members of the farming community right across county Roscommon and was a familiar figure at farming events across the county.

Martin Connaughton was first elected to Roscommon County Council in 1999, and was re-elected in 2004 and 2009. He retired from local politics in 2014, having served as Mayor of Roscommon from 2013 to 2014. His son, Ivan, followed in his father's footsteps and was elected to the council in 2014, before stepping down in 2019.

His remains will repose at Hamrock's Funeral Home, Athleague (F42 CC92) from 5pm to 8pm today (Wednesday, May 22), and he will be laid to rest in Athleague Cemetery tomorrow (Thursday) following Funeral Mass in St. Patrick's Church, Athleague at 12 noon.

Martin Connaughton is predeceased by his loving wife Josephine (née Fannon) & 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 & Oisín, brothers Tom, Noel & Clement, sisters Olive, Frances & Patricia, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours and his large circle of loyal friends.