Tributes paid after death of former Athlone Mayor Egbert Moran

There is a huge sense of shock and sadness in the Athlone area at news of the passing, earlier today (Thursday), of former local councillor and town Mayor Egbert Moran.

Mr Moran, who was 83, died peacefully earlier this morning,

A married father of three, he served as a Fianna Fáil councillor for fourteen years, between 1995 and 2009, becoming both Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council and Mayor of Athlone Town Council during that time.

Tributes following his passing were led by local Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, who spoke about his huge sense of loss at the passing of a long-time colleague and friend.

"I want to offer my warmest sympathies to Egbert's family," said 'Boxer'.

"Egbert was a very close friend and a man who gave me a huge start in public life. He taught me everything I needed to know. We were very close, and went to a lot of meetings together.

"I always remember when I first told him I was going for the Dáil, and the advice that he gave me. He was a great ambassador for Athlone as a councillor and he was a great businessman."

"At meetings the advice he would give other councillors was second to none, in terms of his business knowledge. A lot of decisions that were taken for the betterment of Athlone back in Egbert's time have now come to fruition.

"I can only imagine what his family is going through at this time. I met him at two different events recently. My heart and sympathy goes to the Moran family, particularly to wife and to his daughter and sons."

The late Egbert Moran was predeceased by his parents, Jamesie and Kitty, and his brother James.

He is sadly missed by his loving wife Mary (née Gilmartin), sons Niall and Garrett, daughter Karla (McCaul), sisters Pauline (O'Connor), Patsi (Caffrey), Breda (Griffin), Irene (O'Connor), Kathryn (Keady) and brother Dermot, daughter-in-law Edel, son-in-law Alan, grandchildren Darragh, Rachel, Holly, Tom and Joy, nephews, nieces, in-laws, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

He will be reposing at his family home - Esker Riada House, Bonavalley, Athlone - on Sunday evening from 3pm until 6pm (house private outside these hours).

His funeral Mass will take place on Monday at 12 noon in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Coosan, followed by burial in Coosan Cemetery.