John Naughten 'instantly connected with people', his funeral hears

“You simply could not fall out with John, even if you tried,” Denis Naughten told the packed St Brigid's Church in Drum today, in a tribute during the funeral mass for his late brother John Naughten.

In an oration, Denis Naughten spoke of how he and his brother had just over a year between them, and had grown up together.

Denis, an Independent TD, said John had three loves, his family, which his life revolved around, farming, and politics.

In regard to John's political life, Denis said: “John had a way about him, a way in which he was instantly connecting with people.

“He was his own man, and did things in his own quiet and effective way. You simply could not fall out with John, even if you tried.”

He spoke of how he often had to deal with John's council colleagues who resorted to shouting at him when they couldn't bring themselves to do so at John.

He praised John's “great political brain”, and how he had “time for everyone, regardless of who they were or what he was doing.”

He quoted from one condolence message which said “He was a good friend, always in good humour, with a big smile. He had empathy with people, was extremely approachable, helpful and would always try his hardest to find a solution to people's problems.”

Denis said John had a great life, a great family and lived in a great community.

He asked everyone attending the funeral to follow John's example and “share a little of that time that John gave so generously to all."

He said they will miss John's advice, his witty sense of humour and “most of all, his infectious smile”.

“Sleep well, little brother,” he concluded.

The funeral took place today at a packed church in Drum, Roscommon, with the service also streamed online by Clann na nGael.

In attendance were Taoiseach Simon Harris's Aide de Camp Cmdt Claire Mortimer, Minister Paschal Donohue, representing Fine Gael, and Roscommon County Council Cathaoirleach Paschal Fitzmaurice and Chief Executive Shane Tiernan.

Gifts brought forward to commemorate John's life included a family portrait, a toy tractor and the Farmers Journal to represent his love of farming, Barry's tea and Rich Tea biscuits, a Clann na Gael jersey and a Liverpool shirt for his favourite sports teams, a local history book for his interest in politics and history, a Saw Doctors' CD, and two rosettes from agricultural shows, to mark his efforts with his children on entering their dog and pony in competitions.

Chief celebrant Fr John Deignan said the community was left in shock by the loss of someone who was a “pillar of strength and support for so many”.

He spoke of how John's “devotion to his family had only been matched by his commitment to the well-being of those around him. Throughout his life, he demonstrated a profound sense of service, always putting the needs of others before himself.” had “dedicated his life to serving community and the wider Roscommon community.”

He repeatedly referred to how John had embodied love and service to his family and community, and spoke of how John had created an environment that brought people together.

Fr Deignan told John's wife Breda and his daughters Èmma, Leah and Orlaith that he knew this week had been difficult for them.

He said: “Everywhere I have gone these past five days, John has been the topic of conversation. The grief is palpable.”

He told the family that he and the local community would always be there for them in the weeks ahead.

Other clergy celebrating the mass included Fr Sean Nealon, Fr Shay Casey, Fr Ray Milton, Fr Donal Morris, Fr Christopher Edebianga, Fr Michael Hickey, Deacon Tony Larkin and Deacon Willy Gaquin.

The coffin containing the remains of the late John Naughten exited the church as the choir sang the Liverpool anthem, 'You'll Never Walk Alone', for burial at Drum Cemetery.