The death has occurred of former Laois County Council and Midland Health Board chairman Marty Rohan from Ballinakill. He was aged 88.
Mr Rohan was a long-serving county councillor, first elected in the 1970s and he served right up until 2004.
He was a highly-respected local representative who remembered as both courteous and assertive and authoritative when needed.
“It is with great sadness that Laois Fianna Fáil has learnt of the death of Marty Rohan. Marty was a much loved and respected member of the party here in Laois for many years,” said Laois Fianna Fáil chairman Joe Dunne in a statement today.
“Marty’s long service as an elected member on Laois County Council is still fondly recalled by our members and his many supporters to this day.
“His work on behalf of the people of Ballinakill and surrounding areas was immense and indeed his efforts to promote Laois were always to the fore.
“Marty was involved in many groups such as Friends of Laois Hospital and the action committee for Abbeyleix hospital. In all of these roles he brought great energy and passion to the work involved.
“In his retirement years Marty remained a great public campaigner and also a valued member of Fianna Fail. We pass on our deepest condolences to his family and many friends.”
Former Laois-Offaly TD John Moloney also paid tribute to Mr Rohan.
“Marty served as a county councillor with my late father and we have been firm friends ever since I got to know him in 1981,” said Mr Moloney.
“Anything Marty got involved in, be it a committee, an issue, a community group, he was totally committed to it and gave it 100%.
“He was a committed Fianna Fáil supporter but that didn’t deter him from representing everyone in the community he was elected in.
“As soon as the election was over he represented all the people.
“He was chairman of the Health Board for five years and he was well respected among politicans and medical professionals alike.
“One word that keeps cropping up all day since I’ve heard of his passing is ‘gentleman’. He was certainly that and I’m very sorry to hear of his passing.
“I pass on my sympathies to his family and all who knew him.”
Funeral details to follow.
SEE ALSO –https://www.laoistoday.ie/2021/07/19/sadness-at-passing-of-portlaoise-gaa-legend-tom-nasser-lalor/Sadness at passing of Portlaoise GAA legend Tom ‘Nasser’ Lalor