Tributes paid to recently deceased members of the community

TRIBUTES were paid to a Carlow native who inspired people with his openness and honesty about his battle with cancer at last week’s meeting of Carlow County Council.

Cllr John Cassin called for a vote of sympathy to be extended to the family of the late David Griffin (Griff) of Dr Murphy Place, Portlaoise and formerly of Idrone Park, Carlow, who died in April following a long illness bravely borne. Cllr Cassin spoke of the healthy 44-year-old man David was until his cancer diagnosis and the honesty with which David spoke about his illness, which encouraged others to be mindful of their own health, while he never gave up on his own positivity.

“He got a lot of people talking,” said cllr Cassin.

David is survived by his children Seán and Melanie, parents Michael and Elizabeth, brothers Michael and Kevin, grandmother Edna, sister-in-law Marion and Kevin’s partner Louise. Michael Snr’s wife Mag, uncles and aunts, David’s partner Gillian and his children’s mother Dana, relatives and all his friends and colleagues in the Prison Service.

A vote of sympathy was also extended to Michael Miley, Oldtown, Nurney and formerly of Ballygowan, Milford, who died recently. Cllr Cassin described him as a man who was very involved in a number of local organisations in his community.

Cllr Brian O’Donoghue also called for a vote of sympathy to be extended to the family and colleagues of Garda Kevin Flatley, who died in the line of duty last week.

“His death reminds us of the job gardaí do and how every day they go to work they put their lives at risk,” said cllr O’Donoghue.

Cllr Willie Quinn acknowledged the death of Pope Francis and revealed that one of the late pontiff’s caps is now proudly located in Borris Church.

“He gave it to one of the priests of the parish to mark his 40th anniversary as a priest,” said cllr Quinn.