There is deep sadness in Mountmellick this week following the passing of one of the town’s great community figures.
Brian Lynch, 95, of Chapel Street, Mountmellick, passed away on Wednesday, March 19.
Mr Lynch was a former Sinn Féin Town Councillor, with tributes coming from another former Town Councillor in Mountmellick.
Current Fianna Fáil County Councillor Paddy Bracken described Mr Lynch as “a gentleman” and said he was “a great community man all his life.”
“He was a great volunteer in Mountmellick, in terms of being involved with so many organisations,” Cllr Bracken said.
“He was a gentleman – one decent man; and a great tradesman as well.”
Mr Lynch is deeply regretted by his sons Brian, Liam, and Stephen – with the latter following in his father’s footsteps to also become a Sinn Féin Town Councillor.
The town of Mountmellick has a lot to thank Mr Lynch for, with a legacy that includes being a founder member of the Mountmellick Christmas Tree Committee.
The Committee paid a wonderful tribute to Mr Lynch, saying: “Words like ‘gentleman’ and ‘legend’ can sometimes lose their impact by being bandied about too much. However, in the case of Brian Lynch, they barely begin to capture the measure of the man.
“The words that we find coming to our mind are ‘laoch den scoth’ – a hero of the highest calibre.
“His passing marks not only the loss of a beloved friend and mentor but also the loss of a hero of our town and our time.
“Brian was a man of Mountmellick, through and through. He gave more than he got, punched above his weight, and never sought recognition for the countless ways he enriched our community.
“He had no desire for fanfare or fireworks, nor did he ever expect it. His humble and quiet dedication spoke for itself. He was a classy character.
“Even in his later years, when many might have chosen to relegate their volunteer bib to the back of the wardrobe, Brian remained ever-present, as a font of knowledge to many, ensuring that our town thrived.
“His attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to tradition made all the difference, and we cherished the way he still took such interest in the work he did.
“For Brian, volunteering was not just something he did – it was who he was; because for him, the betterment of his town was always a priority.
“And yet, alongside his dedication to serious community development, he had a lighter side, a spirit of fun and creativity that shone through in unexpected ways.
“He was a thinker, an innovator, and a man ahead of his time.
“His intelligence, quiet determination, and unwavering work ethic ensured that our town would always be moving ahead, and we, who stand on the shoulders of giants like him, will do our best to honour his legacy.
“Brian’s impact on our committee, our town, and our county is immeasurable, but his absence will be felt most keenly by his family, to whom we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences.”
Mr Lynch’s presence was felt throughout the community of the town he loved so well.
As well as helping to found the Christmas Tree Committee, he was also a founder Member of Mountmellick Credit Union.
A life-ling member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, Mr Lynch had a real passion for the outdoors and staying active in his later years.
He was a member of Mountmellick Gun Club, Mountmellick Angling Club, Mountmellick Macra, the Irish Camping and Caravan Club, and later, the Mountmellick Active Retirement Group.
May he rest in peace.
Reposing in his home on Thursday from 5pm; recital of the Rosary at 7pm.
Reposing in Moloney’s Funeral Home on Friday from 5pm; recital of the Rosary at 6.30pm.
Removal from the funeral home at 3.15pm on Saturday to St Joseph’s Church Mountmellick for Requiem Mass at 3.30pm.
Funeral Mass can be viewed live on the parish webcam. Burial afterwards in St Joseph’s Cemetery.
