An educator, councillor and gentleman

Condolences have been paid to a prominent Fianna Fáil family on the passing of Dan Smyth, former member of North Tipperary Co Council and President of Cistercian College.

Dan, of Streamstown, Roscrea, was a brother of former minister Michael Smith and an uncle of Cllr Michael Smith. He served on North Tipperary Co Council from 1991 to 1999, while his career as a science and biology teacher led to him becoming President of Cistercian College Roscrea.

A special meeting of Thurles Municipal District was held on Tuesday morning, at which tributes were paid following Dan’s passing on Friday last, October 3. Among those present was former councillor John Hogan, who said he was honoured to attend so that he could join in the tributes to his late Fianna Fáil party colleague.

Though before his time on the council, Mr Hogan had worked with Dan on the board of Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré and he described the deceased as a “mentor” to him. “He was a very well-read man, a calm, decent man,” Mr Hogan said. He acknowledged Dan’s contribution to Fianna Fáil, to local government and to education, wherein he would be remembered for navigating the amalgamation of three schools into Coláiste Phobal in a “calm and measured way”.

Cllr Micheál Lowry’s time on the council also came after that of Dan Smyth but he knew of the “dedication and diligence” with which the late councillor had served the people of Roscrea. One of his greatest legacies was Roscrea Leisure Centre, the site selection and funding for which was secured during Dan’s time as mayor of the council. Cllr Lowry also spoke of the deceased’s contribution to Coláiste Phobal within the wider VEC/ETB network, and Cistercian College.

‘COMPASSIONATE AND CARING’

While she never knew him personally, Cllr Fiona Bonfield also spoke of Dan Smyth’s renown as a “great character – a compassionate and caring man”. On behalf of the Labour Party, Cllr Bonfield extended sympathy to the deceased’s family and wider community.

Cllr Kay Cahill Skehan had known her late party colleague for many years and especially so after she began working in Roscrea. She described Dan as a “gentleman through and through”, and joined in expressing condolence to his brother Michael, nephew Michael, and all in the family.

For Cllr Peggy Ryan, Dan Smyth “embodied a sense of civic duty and leadership”. District Director Mark Connolly joined in offering condolences on behalf of the council executive.

Large crowds of mourners gathered to pay their respects at Tierney’s funeral home in Roscrea on Monday evening, and at Dan’s funeral Mass at St Cronan’s Church on Tuesday. Burial took place in Ballinree Cemetery. RIP.