Former mayor of Limerick remembered as a 'powerhouse' and a 'trailblazer'

FORMER Mayor of Limerick Kevin Kiely has been remembered as a "powerhouse" and a "trailblazer" following his sad passing.

The Kileely man passed away on Thursday night, and warm tributes have been paid to him from across the city.

Another former mayor, Jim Long, was a long-time friend of the former publican.

"We have lost a personal friend. We were known as the terrible twins in the council. But he was passionate about what he did for his constituents. He was a great ambassador for Limerick. He found it a great privelege to be elected mayor of Limerick and he gave 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week to the job. As a public representative, I don't think anyone could have represented the northside better than Kevin Kiely," he said.

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Mr Kiely also served as Mr Long's deputy mayor between 2011 and 2012.

Ballinacurra Road man Mr Long described him as "my backbone".

First elected in 1985 to the old Limerick City Council, Mr Kiely missed out in 1991. But he returned to council in 2004 and was re-elected in 2009.

It was just weeks after regaining his seat in the new Limerick City North ward that he achieved his crowning glory in politics, when he was elected as the first citizen.

During his year in office, he was rarely out of the headlines.

Among other things, he honoured JP McManus with a civic reception. The following year, he added a specially-commissioned link to the mayoral chain in honour of the Martinstown businessman.

A former chair of the Joint Policing Committee, the former Fine Gael councillor ran in the 2011 General Election on a law-and-order ticket. Ill health forced him to retire from politics in 2014.

A talented handball player in his youth, Mr Kiely loved sport - he was chairman of Thomond Rugby Club for a time, and later after stepping down from politics, helped get St Munchin's Boxing Club re-established in 2018.

He worked closely with councillor Frankie Daly on this.

"He was a shining light," said Cllr Daly. "My first ever number one vote was for him when I turned 18 years old. I remember casting my vote at the old Credit Union in Thomondgate."

"He was a good mentor for me, a great fella for advice. I remember he once told me if I got something on the paper, it would keep me going for three months," he laughed.

"Kevin had great pride in Kileely in particular, the people of Kileely. I remember one year, he gave out 300 turkeys at Christmas. He was always looking out for those less well off."

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Metropolitan district leader, Cllr Daniel Butler said: "Kevin will be remembered not just for the work he did for Limerick, but for the love he had for his family."

Minister of State and Limerick City Fine Gael TD Kieran O'Donnell added: "Kevin served the people of Limerick City passionately over many years on Limerick City Council and as Mayor of Limerick and will be warmly remembered by us all. I saw first-hand how committed Kevin was to represent his constituents."

“Kevin will be greatly missed by everyone, but my thoughts today are with his family for whom this is a very deep personal loss," he added.

An Tanaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said: "Kevin dedicated decades of his life to public service in Limerick. He was someone who cared deeply about the people of Limerick's northside and about the future of the city he loved. Whether it was championing community safety, securing funding for the Dockers Monument or advocating for better services for children with additional needs, Kevin is someone who stood up for his community."

Kevin died on Thursday. March 16, peacefully at Milford Care Centre.

The loving husband of Doreen and the cherished father of Koreen and Kev and grandfather of Sam, Kevin will be very sadly missed by his loving siblings, extended family and a wide circle of friends.

He will repose at Thompson’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street on Sunday, March 15 from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. His funeral will take place at 9am in St Munchin's Church, Clancy's Strand.

This will be followed by a cremation service in Shannon Crematorium at 11am.

Family flowers only please, donations if desired to the Parkinsons Society of Ireland or Milford Care Centre.

May he rest in peace.