It is with deepest regret we report the tragic death of Councillor Willie Kennedy, Glastrigan, Borrisoleigh, Co. Tipperary. Mr Kennedy died as a result of a road traffic accident when, as a pedestrian, he was struck by a car on the N80 Carlow/Portlaoise road at Dysart, Portlaoise, Co Laois at around 8.30pm last night.
We understand Councillor Kennedy had been attending a funeral, prior to the accident occurring.
Independent TD Mr M. Lowry, Mr L. Kennedy and the now late Councillor Mr W. Kennedy, (R.I.P.)
The 64-year-old Councillor, who is survived by his wife and three children, was part of the ‘Lowry Team’ and represented the Thurles-Templemore Municipal District.
Councillor Kennedy was treated at the scene by emergency services personnel and rushed by paramedics to Portlaoise General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the car, a man understood to be in his 50’s, was uninjured. The stretch of roadway is currently closed to traffic and local diversions are in place. Garda Forensic Collision Investigators were due to examine the scene this morning.
First elected to the Council in 1985, the Independent Representative was the current Leas Cathaoirleach of Templemore – Thurles Municipal District, a member of the Council’s Roads Strategic Policy Committee and had served as chairman of the Vocational Education Committee/Education Training Board between 2009 and 2014.
Many Tributes
The many friends and colleagues of the Tipperary Councillor have stated they are shocked and devastated by his sudden death, whom they describe as “overwhelmingly popular” and at all times a “true gentleman”.
Describing Councillor Kennedy as an “exceptional family man who adored his wife Betty, and his children Gerard, Mairead and Elizabeth’, Independent TD Mr Michael Lowry has stated that he is “completely devastated by the loss of his best friend, whose past representations for the betterment of his community, will have a long and lasting impact. His presence amongst us will be greatly missed and will always be remembered with greatest respect.
Fellow shocked Councillor and close friend, Mr Micheál Lowry stated sadly that, “Willie was the very cornerstone of our Team’s organisation and it is impossible to imagine that he is no longer in our midst.”
Cathoirleach of Tipperary County Council and Fianna Fail Councillor Mr Seamus Hanafin stated “there is a massive sense of disbelief amongst the community at this devastating news’.
CEO of Tipperary County Council, Mr Joseph McGrath stated that he was deeply shocked and greatly saddened by news of Councillor Kennedy’s sudden death. He stated; “His death will be a huge loss to his many friends and colleagues in the Co Council and his community. Our hearts go out to Willie’s family and friends at this very sad time. Councillor Kennedy was known for his passionate beliefs and genuine love of his county, which he has served since first elected.”
Long-time friend and former Newport Councillor Mr John ‘Rocky’ McGrath stated “he worked tirelessly for people in all areas of the county”.
Funeral arrangements will be posted here on Thurles.Info in the coming days.
Anyone with information regarding this tragic accident is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station; Tel: 057-8674100 or the Garda Confidential Line at Tel: 1800 666 111.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.
Note: House private Wednesday morning please.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.
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