Tributes paid to the late Pat McKenna

FORMER NORTH Monaghan local public representative Pat McKenna was remembered as a jovial gentleman who was dedicated to his constituents and his community.

The members of Monaghan County Council deferred the business of their monthly meeting for a time to pay tribute to the Fine Gael stalwart who served for three terms on the local authority from 1999 until 2014, establishing a solid electoral presence for his party in a North Monaghan constituency that had become a Sinn Féin stronghold.

Mr McKenna, of Murneen House, Derryleabeg, Emyvale, passed away on August 28 last.

Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Campbell of FG said the late Mr McKenna had represented North Monaghan on the Council with great pride.

Cllr Pauric Clerkin (FG) said he wanted to pay tribute to Patrick Peter Johnny McKenna whose election to the County Council in 1999 was a tremendous achievement.

“When many people had their doubts that FG could get someone elected in North Monaghan, Pat was a trailblazer who paved the path for people like me to get elected,” Cllr Clerkin stated, remembering the deceased as a proud community man and stating that he will be deeply missed by wife Sally, a former psychiatric nurse who was well known in the North Monaghan community, and his children.

“His contribution to North Monaghan and public life will be remembered with great respect,” added Cllr Clerkin, who described his council predecessor as “a massive Gael” who had played in goals for Truagh GFC and had a great love for the club.

Cllr Clerkin said that the McKenna family were deeply appreciative of the guard of honour provided by County Council members and officials at the funeral and had asked him to thank the local authority for helping to send Pat to his resting place.

Expressing sympathy on behalf of the SF councillors to the McKenna family, North Monaghan councillor Bronagh McAree said Pat was a gentleman very well known and respected in his area, someone who gave so much of his life to his community and Truagh Gaels and had a deep devotion to his grandchildren.

Cllr Alan Johnston (FG) extolled the late Mr McKenna’s contribution as a volunteer and servant of the people.

Cllr P.J. O’Hanlon (FF) said Pat had served on the Council with his mother Rosaleen O’Hanlon, and he personally had known him through football and remembered him when he umpired at matches in Carrickmacross as a jovial, decent man.

The chamber stood in silence to formally pass a vote of sympathy with the McKenna family, and business was adjourned for a short period as a mark of respect.