The death has taken place of former Tipperary county councillor Con Donovan, Main Street, Ballyporeen. Con had not enjoyed the best of health in the past few years and his passing will leave a deep void in the community with which he was so deeply involved.

A native of Barnahown, Araglin, Con was a staunch Fianna Fáil supporter and though he lived in Ballyporeen for most of his life, remained a member of the Araglin Cummann, holding the position of secretary there for many years. He was first elected to Tipperary County Council in 1960, was elected to the Health Board in 1970; was chairman of the County Council and South Eastern Health Board in 1989/'90. He was also a former chairman of the Liam Lynch Commemoration Committee.

Con was very involved in community matters. He was a stalwart of Ballyporeen Community Council since its inception and was hugely involved in the visit of American President Ronald Reagan to the village in June 1984.

Former chairman of the Community Council Martin Neville, described Con as 'a man for the long haul' who was 'totally dedicated to any project or organisation he was involved in'. "He will be sadly missed," he said.

The recently elected vice chairman of the Liam Lynch Commemoration Committee John Murphy of Fermoy, described Con as 'a social worker before his time'.

"Con was a great friend - a man of the people who was prepared to help anyone at any time, regardless of political persuasion or status. He was a true gentleman - a good person."

John recalls Con telling him of a day he won a suit length at the annual sports in Fermoy.

"Con, who was a good athlete in his day, had cycled all the way from his home in Araglin, ran in the sports and went home with the prize."

Former Fianna Fáil TD Ned O'Keeffe, said Con was 'to the forefront of Fianna Fáil politics in South Tipperary and came from a very staunch Republican family'.

"He was a great promoter of the Liam Lynch commemoration and would no doubt have been elected to Dáil Eireann but for having been on the wrong side of the constituency. He was a good friend a a great colleague."

Chairman of the General Liam Lynch National Commemoration Committee Cllr Frank O’Flynn, said he was ‘very saddened’ to hear of Con’s death.

“Con was President of the Liam Lynch Commemoration Committee and was a former chairman. He gave a lifetime of service to our organisation and his passing will leave a void very difficult to fill,” he said.

Con's remains will lie in repose in Ballyporeeen Community Centre on Thursday from 4pm with removal at 7.30 to the parish church. Requiem Mass on Friday at 3pm followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

To his sorrowing wife and family we extend our deepest sympathy.

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