‘Always did what he felt was right' – Former councillor, 70s, dies after short illness as tributes pour for ‘true gent'
FORMER Leitrim County Councillor Des Guckian has died following a short illness.
Guckian, who was aged in his late 70s, served as an independent councillor for more than a decade for the
Originally from Annaduff, he stepped down from the council back in April due to
Guckian's daughter, Irene Guckian-Rabbitte, co-opted onto his seat earlier this month following his resignation.
Guckian began his career as a teacher at St Mel's College in
He was first elected to Leitrim County
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Sharing a statement to announce his tragic passing, Leitrim County Council said they were saddened to learn of his death yesterday.
They said Guckian "performed his role as Councillor with distinction until his resignation due to illness in April of this year".
Not only had he carried out work within Leitrim County Council, the fluent Irish speaker was also the author of several books.
These included Deported: The Story of Jimmy Gralton, Effernagh, Co Leitrim, which told the story of the only Irishman ever deported from Ireland in 1933.
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Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, Paddy O'Rourke remembered an intelligent man, who had success as a historian and an author.
He told Shannonside FM that Guckian was a champion of people whom he saw that were left behind.
He said: "On behalf of the members and the council, I'd like to extend our sympathy to his family, his extended family and those who he engaged with through his time in politics."
'A TRUE COUNCILLOR'
He told Shannonside FM: "Des was fearless. He always did what he felt was right, regardless of other people's opinions, public opinion, council opinion.
"He went after what he thought was right, and if that meant ruffling a few feathers, we've all read the articles, we know the arguments he got himself into, but he did that from a good place in his heart where he felt that he needed to make a stand and he was willing to fall out with a few people if it meant getting the right result and I admired him for that."
One local resident said: "Des was a Councillor and a half, got things done, and kept you informed.
"He never deserved the flack and opposition at every turn. A true Councillor. Rest in Peace."
A former student said: "I had Des as a geography teacher in St Mel's. He left and indelible mark on all of his students. Condolences to his family, he was a committed man."
While a friend said: "Sad to hear of the passing of Des, we shared a common interest in Trade Unions back in the 1980's.
"He was a true gentleman and always had the good of all as his goal. Sincere sympathy to his family at this difficult time. May his gentle spirit rest easy."
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Des Guckian passed away yesterday
Credit: RIP.ie
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