Councillor Kennedy died after he was knocked down by a car in Portlaoise around 8.30 last night.
He was first elected to the local authority in 1985.
A “gentleman”, “unique” and “overwhelmingly popular” are just some of the words used to describe Councillor Willie Kennedy this morning as news broke the public representative had been killed in a road accident in County Laois.
The incident happened around 8.30 last night on the N80 Carlow Portlaoise road at Dysart, in Portlaoise when Councillor Kennedy was struck by a car.
It's understood the 64 year old Independent representative had been attending a funeral in the area at the time.
He was treated at the scene and rushed by paramedics to Portlaoise General Hospital – where he was pronounced dead.
The driver of the car, a man in his 50's wasn't injured in the crash.
Willie Kennedy was first elected to the Council in 1985, and was the current leas Cathaoirleach of Templemore-Thurles Municipal District, a member of the Council's Roads Strategic Policy Committee, and served as chairman of the Vocational Education Committee/Education Training Board between 2009 and 2014.
The Independent representative is part of the Lowry team….Deputy Michael Lowry has told Tipp FM today that he is 'devestated' at the loss of his 'best friend'.
Deputy Lowry described Willie Kennedy as an 'exceptional family man who adored his wife Betty, and his children Gerard, Mairead and Elizabeth'.
Cathoirleach of Tipperary County Council, Fianna Fail's Seamus Hanafin says there's a massive sense of disbelief at the news
Former Newport councillor and long-time friend of Willie Kennedy, John 'Rocky' McGrath says he worked tirelessly for people in all areas of the county.
While, fellow councillor and friend, Micheál Lowry also paid tribute saying that Willie was the cornerstone of their organisation and it’s impossible to ‘imagine that he’s gone’.
In a statement to Tipp FM, the CEO of Tipperary County Council, Joe McGrath said they were deeply shocked and saddened at Councillor Kennedy's sudden death.
“His death will be a huge loss to his many friends and colleagues in the council and his community. He will be greatly missed and remembered with respect. Our hearts go out to Willie's family and friends at this very sad time.”
The statement said that Councillor Kennedy was known for his passionate beliefs and genuine love of the county he served since he was first elected…and his work will have a lasting impact on those who worked with him.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
STATEMENT FROM TIPPERARY COUNTY COUNCIL IN FULL:
Media Statement – Death of Councillor Willie Kennedy.
It is with great sadness that Tipperary County Council received the news of the untimely death of our friend and colleague Councillor Willie Kennedy. Councillor Kennedy, from Glastrigan Borrisoleigh, Thurles was known for his passionate beliefs and genuine love of the county he served since he was first elected to the County Council in 1985.
Serving as a member of the County Council, he also was leas Cathaoirleach of Templemore-Thurles Municipal District, a member of the Council’s Roads Strategic Policy Committee, and served as chairman of the Vocational Education Committee/Education Training Board between 2009 and 2014, Councillor Kennedy’s work will have a lasting impact on those who worked with him and on the county he served.
Cathaoirleach Seamus Hanafin described Willie “as a genuine, friendly colleague who was committed to representing the people of Tipperary. We have lost a one of life’s gentlemen, a good friend and a valued councillor, who was well liked by all who met him and well respected by all those who served with him.
Chief Executive Joe MacGrath said “His death will be a huge loss to his many friends and colleagues in the council and his community. He will be greatly missed and remembered with respect. Our hearts go out to Willie’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
