26/04/2010 -

The Late Michael Boxer Conlon

The Late Michael 'Boxer' Conlon

Appreciation by Cathaoirleach Cllr Gerry Murray

Boxer Conlon was one of the most popular and hard working people to serve on Sligo County Council.  He was first elected to the Council in 1974, and for almost 30 years I had the privilege of sharing a constituency with him in the Ballymote electoral area.  While we were on opposing sides in terms of politics, I considered it an honour to know him as a close personal friend and I spent many enjoyable hours in his company. 

He had also the distinction to serve as chairman of Sligo County Council in 1997.  It was an achievement he was very proud of and he fulfilled this role with great distinction.  He performed his role as chairman very fairly and very professionally.  While he allowed every councillor to have their say, he also ensured that the business of the meeting was transacted.  In this capacity he earned the respect, admiration and friendship of every councillor in the chamber. 

As an experienced public representative, he was very considerate to newly elected Councillors, and was very generous with his time to give them the benefit of his vast experience.  He was a member of numerous committees, including the Border Regional Authority.  He took a special interest in this organisation as throughout his career in politics he always promoted the interests of Sligo and the Northwest.

Boxer Conlon was a man of the land – he had a deep appreciation of the importance of the rural way of life and the farming community were always close to his heart.  Along with the wider public they will mourn the passing of one of nature’s gentlemen.  On my own behalf and on behalf of my colleagues in Sligo County Council I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his wife Mona and the Conlon family.