Sadness at death of former council chairman, Mark Nugent

The death occurred this morning of former chairman of Westmeath County Council, Mark Nugent, of Carrick, Dalystown.

Mr Nugent, who had been battling illness for some months represented the Labour Party for over twenty years on the county council, representing the Kilbeggan area constituency. 

He was also a worker director on the board of Bord na Móna.

He first became a councilor through cooption in 1990, taking up the seat left vacant through the resignation of Cllr Helena McAuliffe.

A hardworking, sincere and extremely well-liked and respected individual, Mr Nugent’s passing was regarded as a fine politician and a fine human being.

A tribute has been paid to Mr Nugent by Tánaiste, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, who said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of Mr Nugent’s death.

“For four decades he served Bord na Mona, both as an employee and later as Vice Chair. During his career with Bord na Mona he witnessed great change and was to the forefront of ensuring a sustainable future for Bord na Mona.

"He was recognised by his colleagues as a man with great values and foresight and was an asset to his local community,” said Deputy Gilmore.

Mr Nugent is survived by his wife May, his sons, Gerald, Oliver, Declan, Cathal and David and his daughters Pauline and Helen.

The remains are to repose at his residence, with removal on Saturday at 10 am to the Church of the Sacred Heart Meedin for 11 am Mass, followed by interment afterwards in Tyrrellspass Cemetery.