Tributes paid to former Roscommon TD killed in crash yesterday

The late John Connor TD.

Tributes have been paid to a former Fine Gael TD John Connor who died in a road crash in Roscommon yesterday.

The single-vehicle collision occurred at approximately 2pm yesterday on a local road in Frenchpark, Co Roscommon.

Mr Connor was then taken to Sligo University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has led tributes to Mr Connor, saying that he is “deeply shocked and saddened” to hear of his death.

“John had an unwavering commitment to the people of his area and brought a considerable expertise to politics at local and national level,” Mr Varadkar said.

“He had a keen intellect and was well versed in international affairs, but always had his finger on the pulse of local matters. He was very popular among his colleagues in Fine Gael and I know provided good counsel to a number of younger public representatives, who were grateful for his advice and time.

“I extend my deepest sympathies to John’s family, as well as the many friends he made throughout his life.

In a post on X, Roscommon TD Frank Feighan said that he was sorry to hear of the death of Mr Connor, describing him as a “man of huge integrity” and a great friend.

Mr Connor, who was first elected as a TD in June 1981, serving for a year until he lost his seat in the 1982 General Election. However, he was then nominated to the Seanad by then-Taoiseach Garret Fitzgerald, where he stayed until he regained his seat in the 1989 election.

He remained in the Dáil as a TD until 1997, before returning to the Seanad until 2002. He was also elected to Roscommon County Council in 1999, serving two terms before retiring from public life in 2009.

Gardaí have appealed for anyone with information on the crash to contact Castlerea Garda Station on 094-9621630, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.