Photo by kind permission of Eoin McGarvey.
Donegal County Councillors united in an expression of condolences and tributes today following the passing of former councillor Seamus Rodgers.
Mr Rodgers, who was from Annagry, was 90 years old when he sadly passed on Wednesday last. He was laid to rest on Saturday, following his Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church.
Members of the council began today’s plenary meeting in Lifford by offering sympathies to Seamus’ friends and family.
Mr Rodgers was first elected to Donegal County Council in 1960 and stood for various parties throughout the decades including Sinn Féin, Sinn Féin Workers Party, the Workers’ Party, Democratic Left and Labour.
In total, Seamus contested 12 Dáil, 11 council, two European and three Údarás na Gaeltachta elections.
He was a former SIPTU trade union official was also Chairman of the Donegal County GAA board.
Cllr Martin Farren of The Labour Party led the tributes.
“He was everything that was good about politics and what was good about people,” said a tribute from Fianna Fáil Councillor Ciaran Brogan.
“He was a very passionate man about his politics and people and his whole relationship with his own GAA club at Naomh Mhuire.”
Cllr Gary Doherty of Sinn Féin honoured Seamus’ 39 years in politics and said: “Seamus was a community representative more than anything else, he was a huge advocate for his community over his entire lifetime.
“His record of standing up for the people of Donegal was unmatched, particularly for the people of his own area, for the Gaeltacht and the islands.”
Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh from Fine Gael acknowledged Seamus’ work as a union representative.
“He was always a gentleman and it was always great to meet him,” said Cllr Kavanagh.
John McLaughlin, CEO of Donegal County Council, paid tribute to Rodgers as a long-standing and valuable member of the Roads SPC, offering his condolences on behalf of the Council’s management and staff.
Mr Rodgers is survived by his wife Teresa, a native of Glenties and by his daughter Rosemary who is based in Sligo as well as his two sisters Brid Wilson of Annagry and Mary McCafferty of Dunlewey.
He is predeceased by his brother Joe and parents Mary and Eddie Rodgers.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
