The death of Paddy Concannon this evening has been described as “the end of an era” by local TD Denis Naughten.
“It is with great regret that I have learned of the passing of Paddy Concannon, former member of Roscommon County Council and long-time campaigner for the rights of turf cutters,” said Denis Naughten.
A farmer from Knockmurray, Castlerea, Paddy was a strong supporter of farmers’ rights, who was elected to Roscommon County Council in 1945 as a Clann na Talmhun Councillor. He later joined the Fine Gael party, but resigned from the party in the 1980s after expressing forthright views on abortion and served as an Independent until the early 1990s.
He served as a member of the Council for 46 years and was Chairman on three separate occasions in the 1970s. He was also a strong advocate for local health services throughout his political career, serving on both the Health Board and its predecessor committees.
“It was, of course, on foot of initiating his campaign against the ban on turf cutting in 1998 that he became a national figure as the face of the fight against the removal of rights from turf cutters due to the mismanagement of the issue by the Government,” stated Denis Naughten.
“On a personal level Paddy was a long standing friend of my late father Liam, and he was someone who I have often turned to for advice over my own political career. It was an honour to have been able to work closely with him on the campaign for the rights of turf cutters, a fight that will continue because of his hard work and commitment.
“Paddy was a man of strong moral conviction who was outspoken in his defence of those who did not have a listening ear and who had an uncanny ability to bridge generations.
“I am privileged to have been able to call him a friend.”
As a mark of respect Denis Naughten’s Constituency Office will remain closed this Wednesday and Thursday.
Ar dheis de go raibh a h-anam dilis.
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