'A proper gentleman': Warm tributes paid upon sad passing of former Limerick councillor

WARM tributes have been paid following the sad passing of a former Limerick councillor and general election candidate.

Hospital man Eddie Creighton, a carpenter by trade, went to his eternal rest on Monday.

First elected in 1991, he was originally returned under the Fianna Fail banner, before moving to the Progressive Democrats, where he retained his seat in the former Kilmallock district in 1999 and 2004.

On top of this, he was the running mate of former Progressive Democrats leader, the late Des O'Malley in the old Limerick East constituency at the 1997 general election.

In 2006, he achieved Limerick County Council's highest office, that of Cathaoirleach, before retiring from representative politics at the 2009 local election.

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Councillor Brigid Teefy, a former Progressive Democrats party colleague has described Mr Creighton as "always very kind, very helpful and always positive."

"Eddie was always a good friend, a good supporter and a good helper. He gave me great support. A gentleman to deal with always. A hard worker for his constituents and his native Hospital."

"He loved sport, he played all kinds of sport. A great outdoor person as well," Cllr Teefy, now an Independent councillor in Cappamore/Kilmallock said.

Former Adare councillor Rose Brennan, who served as a Progressive Democrats councillor, and whose husband Michael was in the Seanad paid tribute.

"Eddie was a great friend and colleague during my time and Michael’s in the council. He was always generous with his time and advice. We are shocked to hear of his passing, and offer our condolences to his wife Peg and his family," she said.

Long-serving Fianna Fail councillor Kevin Sheahan succeeded Mr Creighton in the role of Cathaoirleach back in 2007.

He said: "Those who were fortunate enough to have known him and served with him will remember him as a proper gentleman. He was one of the easiest people I have ever worked with on the council, and I say that without hesitation. I don't think you'll find anybody who ever encountered that gentlemen as being anything other than what I described him as."

Mr Creighton passed away surrounded by his loving family at University Hospital Limerick.

He is sadly missed by his loving wife Peg, sons Denis and Mark, daughter Mary, daughter in law Antoinette, partners Hamish and Paula, grandchildren William, Emily, Thomas and Eoghan, great-grandson Casey, nephews, relations, kind neighbours and friends.

He will repose at O'Leary's funeral home in Hospital on Thursday evening from 5.30pm to 8pm.

His requiem Mass takes place on Friday at 11.30am in St. John the Baptist Church, Hospital.

This will also be live-streamed at https://churchcamlive.ie/hospitalherbertstown/

He will then be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

May he rest in peace.