Late Longford councillor Sean Lynch ‘was revered and respected in Colmcille’
Sean was also the longest serving secretary ever of Colmcille GAA and he was instrumental in McGee Park being opened
The late Sean Lynch was remembered at the May meeting of Longford County Council. Mr Lynch served a number of terms as a councillor for Sinn Féin and Republican Sinn Fein.
He served as a councillor from 1974 until 2004, with the exception of the period 1985-1991.
Cathaoirleach of the council, Colm Murray, led the tributes by extending his sympathies to Mr Lynch’s family.
A representative of each of the groupings in the council then paid tribute to the well known republican.
On behalf of Fine Gael, Cllr Garry Murtagh paid tribute to his fellow parishioner.
“Sean Lynch was revered and respected in Colmcille. He was a staunch republican who worked tirelessly for that cause for 70 years,” he remarked.
“He was a community man and a man of the people,” Cllr Murtagh added.
He also spoke about Mr Lynch’s contribution to Colmcille GAA. “He was a member of the first Colmcille team to win the minor championship in 1949,” he stated.
“Sean was also the longest serving secretary ever of Colmcille GAA and he was instrumental in McGee Park being opened,” he added.
Cllr Murtagh went on to say that Mr Lynch was an avid reader and fluent Irish speaker who also had a keen interest in Irish history.
On behalf of the Fianna Fáil councillors, Cllr Seamus Butler recalled serving as a councillor alongside Mr Lynch.
“Sean was one of the nicest people you could meet. He served the people of Colmcille hugely. His contribution to Longford will not be forgotten. I was glad to be part of a guard of honour at his funeral,” Cllr Butler stated.
Cllr Gerry Warnock spoke on behalf of the independent councillors. “My father Christy soldiered with Sean during the Hunger Strike campaign in 1981. Sean took a stand at this time. He never wavered from what he believed. He was a sincere man,” Cllr Warnock said.
“When I was reading the Irish Republican story of Co. Longford written by Sean O’Suilleabhain, Sean Lynch featured strongly. He was a man of honour and integrity and may he rest in peace,” he added.
Cllr Paraic Brady (FG) also paid tribute to Mr Lynch. “Sean served with my late father and grandmother in the council. Sean had strong connections to Ballinamuck. He was a very good politician. He looked after the people of North Longford with honour and integrity,” he commented.
Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon also paid tribute to Mr Lynch. “Sean was well regarded by staff of the council,” he stated.
As is the practice when a former councillor passes away, there was a short adjournment of the meeting in memory of Mr Lynch.