Tributes following death of Andrew Boylan

Mr Boylan’s Funeral Mass will take place on Monday morning at 11am in St.Aidan’s Church, Butlersbridge.

Tributes have been paid from across the political spectrum following the passing of former Cavan councillor and TD, Andrew Boylan.

Leading the tributes to the late Mr Boylan, who sadly died yesterday (Friday, December 6), peacefully at Cavan General Hospital, was An Taoiseach and Leader of Fine Gael, Simon Harris.

He expressed his condolences to the Butlersbridge man's family, stating that his legacy as a “dedicated public representative” who was “known for his advocacy” in fighting to bring “proper infrastructure to his constituency, and in delivering quality roads to the region.”

Born January 1939, he was first elected to Cavan County Council in 1974, and served as Chair of both Cavan County Council and Cavan Urban Council before being elected to the Dáil in 1987. He served the constituency from 1987 until 2002 in Dáil Éireann

“At a difficult time for farm families, he secured the inclusion of Cavan and Monaghan in the Severely Handicapped Areas category of the Areas of National Constraint (ANC) grant scheme, providing a vital life line,” recalls An Taoiseach. “He briefly held the equality and disabilities portfolio and consistently used the Order of Business to highlight disability as an issue.”

Known too for his “quick wit” in debates, he went on to state that Mr Boylan was “popular with his Fine Gael colleagues and devoted to his family.

“His commitment to his beloved Cavan-Monaghan was evident throughout his career in local and national politics and he was repaid for that by being re-elected to the Dáil on four successive occasions.

“I wish to extend my sympathies to his wife Margot, their children and extended family at this very difficult time.”

Great sadness

His party colleague, Senator Joe O'Reilly, said Mr Boylan was an “absolute gentleman” who represented this constituency and region with both “dedication and integrity”.

“He was a fearless advocate for every person and community never flinching from pointing out a wrong or an issue. It was through that courageous advocacy that he brought the crisis with Cavan Roads to National Prominence in the 90s causing John Bruton as Taoiseach to tackle and invest in restoring the County Roads.”

Above all, continued Sen O'Reilly, Mr Boylan was a “family and a Buttlersbridge man. He was popular with one and all and hiss deep Christian Faith shone through in all his interactions.”

Fianna Fáil's Brendan Smith meanwhile shared that Mr Boylan

Statement on behalf of Brendan Smith TD

' I was very sorry to learn of the death of my former Dáil colleague Andrew Boylan was always a “diligent public representative” as a Councillor and TD.

“We worked closely together as Dáil representatives on many issues of importance to Cavan/Monaghan. Andrew was a strong and consistent advocate for the farming community and for rural development in general.

“Over the years Andrew was a strong campaigner for better health services and also for improved and better services for persons with a disability. It was a great testament to him that at a local and national level he was held in high regard across different political opinions,” said Deputy Smith.

Arrangements

From Derrygarra, Butlersbridge, Mr Boylan is survived by his wife Margot and children Gerard , Andrew, Matt, Fergal and Brìd.

Mr Boylan will be very sadly missed by his brilliant grandchildren Patrick, Millie, Jenna, Anna, Finn, Nell, Pippa, Rose and Myles, sisters Elsie Mannix (Donie predeceased) and Mary Mara (Eugene), daughters in law Deborah and Jayne, son in law Paul, nephews, nieces, all his extended family and friends, good neighbours in Butlersbridge, and all his colleagues in politics across all divides.

Reposing at his home in Derrygarra, Butlersbridge (H12YY44) on Sunday evening from 4pm until 7pm, Mr Boylan’s Funeral Mass will take place on Monday morning at 11am in St.Aidan’s Church, Butlersbridge.

Burial will take place afterwards in Cullies Cemetery.

Family flowers only please.

Donations in lieu to Spina Bifida Ireland.

House private to family at all other times please.