Tullamore mourns passing of John Flanagan

The death has taken place of one of Tullamore's greatest sons, John Flanagan.

Building contractor, developer, politician, community activist, family man... the list of accolades and achievements by this modest man, who was in his early 90s, was immense.

News of his death has sparked many tributes with Cllr Tony McCormack describing him as a man who was “involved in so much good that happened in Tullamore”.

“He was involved in so many organisations and groups that shaped our town, far too many to mention. He was always there with advice when needed. This is a sad day for Tullamore, one of its finest sons has gone to rest.

Johnny Flanagan, who was born in Cappincur in 1931, was the founder of Flanagan & Sons, a company that had a huge impact on the landscape of the midlands.

As a building contractor, his company constructed numerous projects not only in Tullamore and across Offaly, but in Athlone, Portlaoise, Mullingar, Ballinasloe. Roscrea, Nenagh, Carlow, Kildare and Kilkenny.

In Tullamore, his company rebuilt the Church of the Assumption after its destruction by fire. He redeveloped both the Tanyard and Kilcruttin areas. In Tullamore his company's housing schemes include Glenfircal, Roselawn, Clonminch Wood and Ballin Ri

Most notably, he spearheaded the development of the Tullamore Court Hotel, which opened in 1997.

Despite all of his achievements and business interests, he was a very modest, humble man.

The late John Flanagan was named as the 30th Offaly Person of the Year Award in 2018, and a citation noted that he had made an outstanding contribution to the business, commercial and political life of Tullamore, Offaly and the wider Midlands over a lifetime spanning almost nine decades.

He also served as the first president of Tullamore Chamber of Commerce, and, in 1997, spearheaded the opening of the Tullamore Court Hotel.

He was elected to Offaly County Council as a Fianna Fail representative in the mid-1980s and served until 2004, he was also a member of Tullamore Urban District Council until 2009 and the Midland Health Board.

He was one of the founding directors of Midlands Radio 3.

Funeral details were not available at the time of going to press. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Kitty, with whom he had four daughters and two sons. His sons, John and Tony, continue to operate in the local development and business worlds.