Tributes following passing of John Fanning of Ashbourne

John Bruton remembers former Fine Gael councillor

Former Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach, John Bruton, has paid tribute to his party colleague, former Meath County Councillor, John Fanning of Castle Crescent, Ashbourne, who died yesterday (Tuesday).

Mr Fanning died at Ratoath Manor Nursing Home, just a few short months after his wife, Mary, who passed in February.

Regarded during his political and public career as a tireless worker for local people and local issues, John Fanning was deeply committed to sound local and regional planning, sustainable development, quality housing and thriving local communities.

A founder member of Ashbourne Community Council, he was active in community development in Ashbourne for some 40 years and was chairperson of Ashbourne Tidy Town Committee. He had a long record of coaching with Donaghmore/Ashbourne GAA Club and St Andrew’s Athletic Club.

Mr Fanning, who was a member of Meath County Council from 1991 until 2004, was a member of the Mid-East Regional Authority and the Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly, where his emphasis was on providing education and training facilities for a rapidly expanding population. He became vice-chairperson and chairperson of Meath VEC and was a board of management member of Ashbourne Community School and Dunshaughlin Community College.

Mr Bruton stated: “I wish to pay tribute to the life of public and political service of former councillor, John Fanning of Ashbourne, who has just died after a long illness.

He continued: “John worked for a good part of his life in Aer Lingus, at a high level. When he retired, he was able to bring this professional experience and knowledge to bear on the problems on South East Meath.

As well as being involved in politics through Fine Gael, John made a huge contribution to community life in Ashbourne through the GAA and other community organisations.

As an elected councillor, John had a deep understanding of the mechanics of local government and of the good it could do. He also contributed to regional government through organisations that brought together several local authorities to tackle problems that were wider than one county.

His contributions at public meetings were always low key and reasoned. This enhanced his credibility. I wish to extend heartfelt sympathy to his children Susan, Conor, Paula and Julie-Ann.”

Last year, John Fanning was named as one of Ashbourne & District Lions Club’s unsung community heroes who were “outstanding in their generosity of kindness, spirit, time and self.”

Predeceased by his wife Mary, John is survived by Susan, Conor, Paula and Julie-Ann; grandchildren, John, Emily, Cian, Adam, Rachel, Lauren, Amelia, Harry and Holly, sons-in-law Eamon and Anthony, daughter-in-law Niamh, brother Billy, sister Carmel, niece Marian, nephew Neil, neighbours and his colleagues and friends.

He is reposing at Ryan's Funeral Home, Ashbourne (A84CX52) from 5pm to 7pm this Thursday evening. Funeral Mass on Friday afternoon at 2.30 pm in The Church of The Immaculate Conception, Ashbourne. Burial afterwards in St Declan's Cemetery. John's Funeral Mass will be streamed live on https://www.churchservices.tv/ashbourne