Limerick councillor pays heartbreaking tribute to his 'guiding light and mentor'

FORMER Limerick TD Eddie Wade has been remembered in a heartbreaking tribute as "a brilliant human being" who has been "my guiding light and mentor for over a decade".

Mr Wade of Cahernorry, Drombanna, who represented the old Limerick East constituency in Dail Eireann between 1997 and 2002, died peacefully, his family by his side on Saturday in Milford Care Centre. He was aged 76.

The Fianna Fail man was first returned as a member of the old Limerick County Council in 1979 for the Castleconnell area. He retained his seats in in 1985, 1991, 1999, 2004 and 2009. He served as cathaoirleach three times, and retired on health grounds in 2014.

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It was a case of third-time lucky on his election to Leinster House, having also contested the 1989 and 1992 General Elections.

In a tribute posted on social media, Independent northside councillor Frankie Daly - also a Dail candidate - wrote: "With a heavy heart it’s hard to put into words this brilliant human being. Eddie had been my guiding light and mentor for over a decade."

"What can I say about Eddie Wade? Well he was a man that represented Limerick with integrity and ferocious work ethic. His unwavering support and commitment to Limerick and its people was profound," said Cllr Daly.

In 2019 when the Corbally man topped the poll in City North and smashed through the quota with 384 votes to spare, it was "Eddie Wade from Cahernorry" whose name he mentioned first, as being his inspiration.

He recalled how they had really connected six years before that when he took his first steps into politics, culiminating in his election a year later as Mr Wade retired.

"It was then we grew closer and he became my political mentor but most of all a dear friend which he was to many. We spent many years in the Jasmine Palace plotting my political strategies. His wit, humour and unwavering selfless support was felt as he shielded me from the not so glamorous side of politics. Anyone who was lucky to meet Eddie will know that he was a true gentleman, a true Limerick man who was all for justice and fairness," Cllr Daly added

"A final note as Eddie used to say: 'vote for Wade and you got it made'. Now the angels have it made. Rest easy Eddie," Cllr Daly's heartfelt tribute concluded.

Meanwhile, a minute of silence was held in memory of the former councillor at this month's metropolitan district meeting.

A special meeting of the full council will take place this Tuesday afternoon.

This ahead of his reposal at Cross's Funeral Home in Ballyneety from 5pm to 7pm, followed by prayers.

His funeral will arrive on Wednesday, February 19, at St. Patrick's Church, Knockea, for requiem Mass at 12noon, with burial afterwards in Donoughmore cemetery.

May he rest in peace.