RIP: Businessman and long-serving former Laois Councillor dies
Former Laois TD and Minister Charlie Flanagan paid tribute to David Goodwin
Well known businessman and former Laois Fine Gael Councillor David Goodwin has died.
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.
He is deeply regretted by his dear wife Olive, his daughter Hazel, sons William and Robert, extended family, neighbours, relatives and his many friends.
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 his 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 famers that dealt with him,” said Dep Aird. He said Mr Goodwin would have some business clients going back 60 years.
Mr Goodwin died on September 12, 2026 at the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise following a short illness.