Funeral details announced following death of former Laois Councillor

The funeral of well known businessman and former Laois Fine Gael Councillor David Goodwin will take place on Tuesday, September 15.

Mr Goodwin, Tineel, Rosenallis, was one of the longest serving Fine Gael Councillors in the country having first been co-opted to Laois County Council in 1973 to serve in the Tinnahinch area on the death of his father, Cllr William Goodwin, who had served as a Councillor for 25 years.

Tributes have poured in for Mr Goodwin who was Proprietor of E.V. Condell Ltd Portlaoise.

He passed away peacefully in Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise after a short illness surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 12.

Pre-deceased by his brothers Eddie, Billy, Ivan, sisters Frances, Sylvia, Ethel and Myra.

Dearly missed by his heartbroken wife Olive, loving children Hazel, William and Robert, adoring grandchildren Tom, Abbie, Dave, Matthew, Grace, Daniel, Lucy, Emma, Christopher, son in law Colm, daughters in law Heather and Valene, brother Archie, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. His nieces, nephews, neighbours, staff, colleagues, customers and many friends.

Reposing at his home (Eircode R32FT80) on Monday, September 14 from 4pm to 8pm.

The Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, September 15 at 2pm at St Brigid’s Church, Rosenallis, followed by burial at the Friends Burial Ground, Rosenallis.

House private Tuesday morning. Family flowers only – donations to Palliative Care Unit, Portlaoise Hospital.

Former Fine Gael Minister and TD Charlie Flanagan described Mr Goodwin’s death as the end of an era.

“I was very sorry to learn of the passing of David Goodwin which represents the end of an era in the politics of North Laois in particular,” said Mr Flanagan.

He described Mr Goodwin as a most diligent and hardworking Councillor for his constituents in the North Laois area and said he had special interest in planning in North Laois, the Slieve Blooms and Mountmellick.

“As a TD for the area, David was particularly good to me over the years. He supported me in every Dáil election I ran. He gave of his time canvassing on my behalf, that is something I will remember forever,” said Mr Flanagan.

He explained that the Tinnahinch area expanded and became the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick electoral area, which he said Mr Goodwin served strongly until 2019.

Mr Goodwin was known in Laois and beyond as a Massey Fergusson dealer, due to his dealership in the centre of Portlaoise, and he would have been looking forward to the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore, Co Offaly next week.

“At Laois County Council he was always supportive of business, bringing as he did, his experience and expertise to the council chamber,” said Mr Flanagan.

He offered his sympathies to Mr Goodwin’s wife Olive and to his daughter and two sons.

Fine Gael TD Willie Aird also extended his sympathies to Mr Goodwin’s family. He recalled sitting next to him in the council chamber and he said admitted he wouldn’t have received as many votes had Mr Goodwin not canvassed for him at the general election.

Deputy Aird also praised Mr Goodwin’s business acumen and his honesty.

“He would be noted as being very honourable to all the farmers that dealt with him,” said Dep Aird.

He said Mr Goodwin would have some business clients going back 60 years.