Glowing tributes to late county councillor during poignant funeral

Glowing tributes were paid to late Fine Gael General Election candidate Cllr John Naughten who was laid to rest this afternoon after his funeral mass.

Fr John Deignan described how the public representative's life 'was a testament to kindness' and he was a true friend during the poignant service at St Brigid's Church.

The married father of three passed away suddenly at his home in Drum, south Roscommon last Friday and Fr Deignan said the local community were united in grief.

"We stand united sharing in our grief and in our love for John and for you, his family, especially for his devoted wife Breda, their three beautiful daughters Emma, Leah, and Orlaith," he said. "John's life was a testament to kindness, to serving others and being a true friend."

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Minister Paschal Donohoe and the Taoiseach's Aide de Camp. Commandant Claire Mortimer, were among the mourners who attended and paid their respects.

Mr Naughten's brother Deputy Denis Naughten described John as a husband, father, son, brother, uncle neighbour, a colleague but most of all we have lost a true and loyal friend

"We will miss all of the advice John has given us, his witty sense of humour, his company but most of all his infectious smile. Sleep well little brother,"

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Cllr Naughten, who was a Roscommon county councillor for more than 20 yaers, was predeceased by his father Liam.

He is survived by his heartbroken wife Breda, his devoted daughters Emma, Leah, and Orlaith, his mother Mary, sisters Marion (Donnelly) and Áine, brothers Denis, Liam Óg, Joseph, Seamus, and Dermot, mother in law Kitty Finnerty, brothers in law, sisters in law, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, the extended Naughten and Finnerty Families, relatives, neighbours and many friends.