Warm tributes paid in Longford court to 'fantastic' prison guard following his sudden death

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to popular prison guard Seán Boylan, who regularly transported prisoners to and from Longford District Court, following his sudden death on Sunday.

Judge Bernadette Owens led the tributes during Tuesday's court sitting when she offered her condolences to his family and colleagues, while Sergeant Mark Mahon, on behalf of Garda Síochána and solicitor John Anderson also offered their sympathies.

Mr Boylan, a father of two, from Ross, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, died 'suddenly but peacefully at University Hospital Galway on April 12.

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Judge Owens said, "I think it's appropriate at this time that I extend my sympathies to the transport unit from the prison.

"They lost one of their colleagues very suddenly, Mr Boylan and I'm quite sure this has been a very difficult time for everybody and I would just like to pass on my condolences to you all."

Sgt Mahon also extended sympathies on behalf of gardaí to Seán Boylan's family and his colleagues.

"I knew him personally to speak to and I encountered him on numerous occasions and he was always a jovial, friendly character and very accommodating and professional in his job. My sincere sympathies to ye all."

Mr Anderson, on behalf of solicitors in the Longford and Sligo, also offered his condolences.

"I would be very familiar with Mr Boylan, he was a fantastic prison officer judge, he was a man that you could always talk to, he was always very helpful and I just heard the news myself this morning and it's with great sadness that I heard of his sudden passing.
"He is a very young man to be gone."

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Maggie Curley on behalf of her colleagues in the court office in Longford, also sympathised with Mr Boylan's family, friends and his colleagues on his sudden passing.

A death notice on RIP.ie said Sean's death was 'deeply regretted by his cherished children Clíodhna and Caolán and their mother Geraldine'.

The notice stated Seán was a much loved son of Agnes and Sonny.

It added: "He will be very fondly remembered and deeply missed by his heartbroken brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, extended family, neighbours, work colleagues and many friends."

The funeral details read that Seán will repose at his parents home at Ross, Manorhamilton (F91YX20) this evening (Wednesday) from 5pm-to-8pm and Thursday evening from 5pm-tp-8pm with removal on Friday morning for Funeral Mass at 12-noon in St Clare's Churchx, Manorhamilton (F91 YO18) followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

The notice requested family flowers only please and donations in lieu if desired to the Patient Comfort Funds of Sligo University Hospital and University Hospital Galway.