Former Longford Roscommon TD John Connor will be laid to rest on Thursday

Former Fine Gael TD and Senator John Connor (pictured) who died last Saturday, will be laid to rest in Cloonshanville cemetery on Thursday, February 1.

Born on February 14, 1944, the former Fine Gael TD, Senator and Councillor from Cloonshanville, Frenchpark, Co Roscommon died peacefully on January 27 with his family by his side, in University Hospital, Sligo.

Taoiseach and Leader of Fine Gael Leo Varadkar expressed his condolences.

Mr Varadkar stated, “John was first elected TD for the Roscommon East Galway constituency in June 1981, serving until the following year during turbulent political times. He lost his seat in the General Election of 1982, but was nominated to the Seanad in 1983 by then Taoiseach Garret Fitzgerald, where he served on the Agriculture panel. 

“He regained his seat for Roscommon East Galway in the 1989 General Election, and held that until 1992. He was subsequently elected for the Roscommon Longford constituency in 1992 and appointed Opposition Spokesperson on European Affairs, a position he held until 1997. He was elected then to Seanad Éireann, where he remained until 2002. 

“In 1999, John was elected to Roscommon County Council and re-elected in 2004. He retired from public life in 2009. 

“John had an unwavering commitment to the people of his area and brought a considerable expertise to politics. He had a keen intellect and was well versed in international affairs, but always had his finger on the pulse of local matters. He was very popular among his colleagues and I know he provided good counsel to a number of younger public representatives. 

“I extend my deepest sympathies to John’s family, as well as the many friends he made throughout his life.”

Senator Micheál Carrigy said the late John Connor 'was a well respected member of the Fine Gael party'. “He served in Seanad, Dáil and Roscommon County Council. He was very supportive of young people, particularly when they were starting out. John was a man of great honesty who gave good advice. He was a noted speaker on political issues and he will be sorely missed. I want to extend my deepest sympathy to his family on their loss.”

Cllr Tom Crosby also paid tribute to his close friend and former colleague on Roscommon County Council.

“John was a most honourable and passionate public representative serving in the Dáil, Seanad and as a member and former Chairman of Roscommon County Council.

“John’s word was his bond and I had great experience of this over the years working with John who was the Fine Gael members representative which also involved him negotiating the establishment of the County Council after the elections.

“As I was the Independent members representative I worked closely with John on the setting up of the Council’s in 1999 and again 2004 and when we shook hands on an agreement for both of the five-year terms the agreements were honoured 100%.

“I had a night out with him over Christmas last and he was looking forward to travelling to a number of countries commencing in February as John loved to travel and absorb the different cultures. There was very few countries that John had not visited and it was his intention to complete the journey. May he rest in peace.”

The late John Connor will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his sisters Margaret (Cady) and Anne (Gallagher), brothers-in-law Gerry and Brendan, nephews John, Barry, Paul, Jarlath and Ulick and their families Karey, Rebekah, Cecilia, Claudine, Erin, Milena, Nicolás, James, Ellie, Abby, Isabel, Henry and Heidi, to Pat and Margaret Moran, cousins, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

John will repose in The Sharkey Funeral Home, Frenchpark on Wednesday, January 31 from 5pm until 7.30pm. Removal from the funeral home on Thursday to St Asicus’ Church, Frenchpark arriving for Mass of the Resurrection at 11.30am, followed by interment in Cloonshanville cemetery.