Tributes paid as former Leitrim councillor Des Guckian laid to rest in Annaduff

Former Independent Leitrim councillor Des Guckian, a former teacher at St Mel’s College in Longford was laid to rest on Monday, May 26.

His funeral took place at St Mary’s Church in Annaduff, his hometown.

Mr Guckian passed away peacefully at North West Hospice in Sligo on Thursday, May 22. He is predeceased by his wife, Myra, and his brothers, Padraig and Seamus.

Mr Guckian represented the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District for over a decade, being first elected to Leitrim County Council in 2014.

He officially stepped down from the Council on April 11.

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Many tributes have been paid to the Annaduff man since his passing.

At a meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District on Monday, May 26, members stood for a minute's silence in honour of their late colleague.

Cllr Gary Prior, who chaired the meeting, paid tribute to Mr Guckian saying: "On behalf of the Ballinamore Municipal District members, I'd like to remember and pay our respects to our late colleague, Cllr Des Guckian who passed away last Thursday morning peacefully at the North West Hospice in Sligo after a short illness,” he said.

“To our councillor and colleague the daughter of Des, Irene, to her siblings Deirdre, Paul and Brendan, we offer our deepest condolences to all his family members."

His daughter, Irene Guckian-Rabbitte, was co-opted to the seat previously held by her father during May’s Council meeting, held at the Kilbracken Arms Hotel in Carrigallen on May 6.

The late Des Guckian was widely recognised for his outspoken nature, dedication and passion for the issues he believed in. He was known for never hesitating to voice his concerns.

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His contributions were acknowledged during the most recent Council meeting on May 6, where fellow councillors paid tribute to his distinctive presence and commitment. 

“He was a man who was very passionate about this county and the area he represented. He was never shy about putting forward what he considered to be important,” Cllr Paddy O’Rourke said.

“He was a champion of those he believed were left behind by systems.”

CEO of Leitrim County Council Joseph Gilhooly echoed these sentiments, saying, “He was very committed to representing those who brought issues to him and he worked very hard to see the conclusion of those issues.

“He brought great attention to detail and interest in any aspect of the work here that he took an interest in, which was almost everything,” he added.

Mr Guckian has been fondly remembered by the public, with countless comments posted to his condolence page on RIP.ie

“Thanks so much Des for the professional work that you did for the people of Leitrim whose voices were ignored and brushed under the carpet for many years,” one local said.

“Des was a caring, hardworking man, and especially in his role as a councillor he would always do his best, and most of all a great friend,” another wrote.