Sadness in Limerick town following death of 'valued friend' and politician

DESCRIBED fondly as a "valued friend and member of the community" in Abbeyfeale, former councillor and Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council Seán Broderick has passed away.

The Abbeyfeale native, who was aged 96, served as cathaoirleach of the former local authority in 1996/1997, prior to its amalgamation with the then Limerick City Council in 2014. 

Seán, who was a member of Fine Gael, was first elected to Limerick County Council in 1979 and he was later re-elected in 1991 and 1999, serving more than 20 years as a member of the council.

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Paying tribute, Cllr Liam Galvin, also from Abbeyfeale, said: “He was a wonderful, wonderful man - he was a man that I used to call to regularly, not alone for advice but for information too. 

“He had a wealth of knowledge and was a regular church-goer - he will be missed as a valued friend and member of the community in Abbeyfeale.”

Cllr Galvin continued by saying that Seán worked in the family shop, that his father Davy had owned, until age 92 and retained his interest in politics ‘to the very end’. 

“He was a lifelong, integral part of the Fine Gael group, as well as many other things.

Seán was awarded the Benemerenti medal in May 2013 by Pope Frances and he was presented with the medal on November 3, 2013 in recognition of his lifelong service to the church.

“It is with great sadness that I extend my sympathy to the Broderick family,” added Cllr Galvin.

Other Limerick councillors and TDs have also extended their condolences: “I'm sorry to hear of Sean's passing - he was a real gentleman. Condolences to the extended Broderick family at this sad time,” said Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Collins.

“Sincere sympathies and condolences on the recent passing of Sean, may he rest in peace,” add Minister-of-State Niall Collins while Minister-of-State Patrick O'Donovan stated he to was "very saddened" to hear of his passing.

"Sean was devoted to his family, his community and his faith and was a committed member of Fine Gael all his life. I had the privilege of serving with Seán when I was co-opted to the Council in 2003 until he retired from politics in 2004. He served the community of Abbeyfeale and the wider West Limerick area with great distinction being a man of integrity and service."

Mayor of the city and county of Limerick, Cllr Francis Foley said: “Sean was a great community man who put Abbeyfeale above all else. I knew him for many years through his council work, his love for all things local and his involvement in the church and choir. He will be sorely missed by those that knew him."

Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council Dr. Pat Daly added: “Sean’s time on Limerick County Council spanned  a number of decades. His knowledge of West Limerick as a business man and his work in Abbeyfeale gave him a unique perspective on Council matters,"

Following his retirement in 2004, a presentation was made to Sean Broderick at the Limerick West FG annual dinner dance by the then leader of the party, Enda Kenny. 

Seán passed away on Monday, February 6 and will be reposing at Harnett’s Funeral Home, The Square, Abbeyfeale on Wednesday, February 8 from 6pm until 8pm. 

Requiem Mass will take place in The Church of The Assumption, Abbeyfeale on Thursday, February 9 at 11am.