Farewell to ‘community man’ and former Mayor of Clonmel
Villagers turned out in their hundreds to say a final farewell to former county councillor and Mayor of Clonmel, Martin Lonergan who passed away on Tuesday of last week.
Local people lined the streets and applauded as the hearse carrying Mr Lonergan went by with family members leading the cortege.
The late Martin Lonergan (centre) photographed with her Worship the Mayor of Costa Masnaga, Sabina Panzeri; and Mayor of Reading, Cllr Tony Jones. (March 16, 2015)
The coffin was draped with the Irish flag as Mr Lonergan, from Goatenbridge, was buried on Saturday morning following Requiem Mass in St Mary’s Church, Ballybacon. Mr Lonergan served as Mayor of Clonmel Borough District from 2014-2015.
Elected on the first count, he topped the poll in the local elections in 2014 and remained a leading member of the community in his native Goatenbridge after his time in politics.
Fr Michael Toomey described Mr Lonergan as a ‘central and pivotal’ member of his family and in the community.