Deep sense of sadness at death of former Limerick TD and long-serving councillor

FORMER LIMERICK TD and councillor for 35 years, Eddie Wade passed away in Milford on Saturday.

Mr Wade, of Cahernorry, Drombanna, was aged 76.

The proud Fianna Fail man was first elected as a member of Limerick County Council in 1979 for the Castleconnell area. He retained his seats in the “old council” in  1985, 1991, 1999, 2004 and 2009 and served as cathaoirleach three times.

Mr Wade stood for election in Limerick East at the 1989 and 1992 general elections. However, on his third attempt, at the 1997 general election, he gained a seat in Dáil Éireann.

He stepped away from politics in 2014 on health grounds. He is pictured below in typical good humour with Cllr Mary Jackman, who passed away in 2022, and Cllr John Sheahan at the last ever meeting of Limerick County Council in 2014.

Cllr Wade, who had type 1 diabetes for 13 years at the time, said it “wasn’t an easy decision”.

Often outspoken, Mr Wade strived to help local communities, the elderly, and the disadvantaged in society, particularly those with disabilities and their families.

Minister for State at the Department of Justice, Niall Collin paid tribute to his former colleague following his passing.

“He was an outstanding public representative. He fought diligently to represent his community and his county for years in the council and in the Dail.

“He was a decorated Limerick GAA enthusiast and he leaves a long and rich legacy. He will be fondly remembered by many. I wish to express my condolences to his family, extended family and community,” said Mr Collins.

Mr Wade served for many years as vice-chairman of Limerick GAA County Board and was a regular at Limerick hurling games in the bad times and the good. Indeed, he had not missed an All-Ireland hurling or football final since the mid-1960s until the pandemic in 2020. 

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The Limerick hurlers' success in recent years gave him great joy and he was especially happy in particular for Barry Nash, his South Liberties clubman, and all his family. 

Mr Wade also came up with the idea of the Old Gaels of East Limerick awards which celebrated its 21st anniversary this year. The awards acknowledge the contributions of gaels in the division who have given “lifelong, voluntary and dedicated service to the GAA in various capacities over the years".

Just like Mr Wade did himself.

Mr Wade is predeceased by his parents Tess and Paddy, brothers Pat, John and Martin, and nephew Eamon.

Deeply regretted by his sisters Rita Higgins and Breda Flood, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grand nieces, grand nephews, other relatives, large circle of friends and neighbours.

Reposing at Cross's Funeral Home, Ballyneety, on Tuesday, February 18, from 5pm to 7pm followed by prayers.

Funeral will arrive on Wednesday, February 19, at St Patrick's Church, Knockea, for Requiem Mass at noon, with burial afterwards in Donoughmore cemetery.

The family have requested donations, if desired, to Milford Care Centre in lieu of flowers.

May he rest in peace.