Regretted passing of former councillor fintan cooney

The death has been announced of the former Westmeath County Council member and noted veterinary surgeon, Fintan Cooney MRCVS.

Mr Cooney died peacefully yesterday, Saturday, surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, and was father of Fintan, Michael, Elizabeth, Alice, Patrick, and the late Joseph and Niall.

He is also survived by his sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, 17 grandchildren; as well as by his sisters, Mary Agnes and Gemma; his brothers John, Pat and Garrett, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

The remains are to repose at Shaw’s funeral home this evening, Sunday, from 4 pm to 6 pm, prior to removal to the Cathedral of Christ the King for 6.30 pm.

The funeral Mass takes place tomorrow morning, Monday, at 10 am, followed by burial in Ballyglass.

Born in Longford, and raised in Cavan, where his father became county medical officer, Mr Cooney was educated at Castleknock College and then went to UCD to study veterinary science.

Following his graduation, he worked in Mitchelstown, and then Ballymahon, Monaghan and then Kanturk, before moving to Mullingar.  He left Mullingar for a spell to work in Kilkenny, but was asked back to Mullingar, and he wound up buying the practice which was to become the Auburn Veterinary Hospital.

He was a founder member of the Irish Veterinary Union and a member of the Veterinary Council.

Mr Cooney spent two terms as a Fine Gael member of Westmeath County Council, and served as cathaoirleach for a year.

His brother is the former government minister and MEP, Paddy Cooney, of Athlone.