Death of former councillor, Charles Bobbett

Fine Gael representative in Ashbourne for five years

The death has occurred of former county councillor, Charles Bobbett.

An Ashbourne based teacher, he was a Fine Gael member of Meath County Council from 2004 to 2009 and unsuccessfully stood for election an independent candidate in the Ashbourne area in last year's local elections and in Meath East in the general election.

From a well known farming background, he was a member of The Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss which made recommendations to the government. His late father, Pat, was a prominent figure in the IFA at both county and national level.

Charles was active in Ashbourne Tidy Towns, the Broadmeadow River Group and Ashbourne Donaghmore Parish Assembly, with a special passion for Ashbourne RFC and Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA.

When he was a councillor, he represented the old Dunshaughlin area which also took in Ashbourne, Ratoath and Dunboyne.

Cllr Paddy Meade said: "I was deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Charles Bobbett, former Meath County Councillor.

"Charles was a good man who was immensely proud of his children and of his town of Ashbourne and County Meath. He was committed to public service and never allowed electoral setbacks to deter him.

"We were friends and often talked things over, and he was a valued sounding board for ideas. I was also fortunate to have him canvassing for me on occasion when he was not running himself. My deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all who knew him. He will be greatly missed."

Predeceased by his parents, Alice and Pat, Charles will be deeply missed by his children, Ollie, Rory, Judy, Ríobhne, Girvan and Katie-Anne, remembered as a devoted and loving father who took great pride in his family.