The Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Michael Sheahan has expressed his condolences to the family of former Mayor and Senator Patrick (Pat) Kennedy who has passed away.
Mayor Sheahan said: “My first thoughts are with Pat’s wife Loretto and family on their loss. While Pat was a public figure most of his life, he was also a loving husband and father. Their loss will be most keenly felt.”
“Pat distinguished himself during his almost half a century serving the people of Limerick. He was a powerful politician and a man of integrity and conviction. His contributions to Limerick were hugely welcome and have helped shape the Limerick we live in today.”
Pat was first elected to the then Limerick City and Council in 1967 at the age of 29, becoming an Alderman in the process. He was re-elected in subsequent elections before he stood down at the 2014 elections.
Pat served as Mayor of Limerick on two occasions 1974-75 and 1985-86. During his first term he was involved in the campaign to have the Baggott Estate in Ballinacurra preserved as a recreational and amenity area, while during his second term he worked to have Merchant’s Quay to be designated as an area for urban renewal. This facilitated the building of a new City Hall, which is now the Council’s Corporate Headquarters.
In 2007 he achieved the rare distinction of completing 40 years on Limerick City Council and the longest period of service of any mayor of Limerick since 1842. Pat was also the last alderman in the history of Limerick city as the title was abolished by the government.
Pat also served in Seanad Éireann on two occasions, both on the Administrative Panel in 1981 to 1982 and 1983 to 1992.
He is survived by his wife Loretto, and children Tom, Loretto, Alex and Shane.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
A Special Meeting for Limerick City and County Council will be held this Friday (24 Jan 2020) in the Council Chamber, Merchant’s Quay at 9.30am as a mark of respect for Pat.
The funeral arrangements for the former mayor are:
Reposing at Thompson’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street on Friday evening (24 Jan) from 5.30pm with removal at 7.30pm to St. Joseph’s Church, O’ Connell Avenue. Requiem Mass on Saturday (25 Jan) at 12 noon with burial afterwards in Mount St. Oliver Cemetery.