There is widespread sadness across Donegal following the passing of one of the county’s best-known local public representatives, Seamus Rodgers.
Mr Rodgers, who was from Annagry, was 90-years-old.
He passed away yesterday surrounded by his family after a lifetime of service to his local community of which the betterment of life in Donegal was always his top priority.
Mr Rodgers was first elected to Donegal County Council in 1960 and stood for various parties down through the decades including Sinn Féin, Sinn Féin Workers Party, the Workers’ Party, Democratic Left and Labour.
In total Seamus contested 12 Dáil, 11 council, two European and three Údarás na Gaeltachta elections.
He was a former SIPTU trade union official was also Chairman of the Donegal County GAA board.
While he was elected to the local council in his first election in 1960 at the age of 21 and held onto his seat for 39 years before eventually losing his council seat in 1999.
Having never lost his appetite for local politics, he again contested the local elections in 2019 aged 85 years.
In an interview earlier this year, Mr Rodgers spoke about not feeling his 90 years and how he quite fancied living until he was 100 like an uncle of his.
Mr Rodgers is survived by his wife Teresa, a native of Glenties and by his daughter Rosemary who is based in Sligo as well as his two sisters Brid Wilson of Annagry and Mary McCafferty of Dunlewey.
He is predeceased by his brother Joe and parents Mary and Eddie Rodgers.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Photo by kind permission of Eoin McGarvey.
Funeral details
The death has taken place in Letterkenny University Hospital of Séamus Rodgers, Annagry West, Annagry.
Sadly missed by his wife Teresa and daughter Rosemary (Neil), sisters Mary (Dunlewey) Bríd, (Annagry), nieces, nephews and extended family. Predeceased by his brother Joe.
His remains will repose in McGlynns Funeral Home Dungloe on Thursday 21st from 4 30pm until Rosary at 8pm and on Friday from 3pm until 6pm followed by private Removal to his home.
Funeral Mass on Saturday at 11am in St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church, Annagry with Interment in the adjoining cemetery.
