Former Limerick TD Michael Collins has passed away

FORMER TD Michael Collins has passed away at the age of 82.

The local councillor passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning after a short illness in Milford Care Centre. 

The Abbeyfeale man was involved in local politics for many years, serving as a member and chairman of the former Limerick County Council. 

The former Fianna Fail member is the father of Cllr James Collins and uncle of Niall Collins, Minister of State. 

Mr Collins served as a TD for Limerick West from 1997 to 2007, continuing the occupation by the Collins family of a seat in the constituency since the 1948 general election.

Mr Collins was a member of Fianna Fail until 2002 when he became an Independent, serving as a councillor for nearly 30 years. 

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His father James and brother Gerry, were also both members of Fianna Fail and Dail Eireann. 

Outside of politics, Mr Collins was a hotelier at the Railway Hotel on Parnell Street in Limerick city.

The hotel first opened in 1871 as an old coach inn, standing opposite the city’s railway station. The pub closed in 2016 and at the time, the closure was described as “a very difficult and emotional time for the Collins family” after 46 years of ownership.

Mr Collins was also a member of the Mid-Western Health Board as well as the Foynes Harbour Commissioners. 

A funeral notice on Rip.ie read: "Beloved husband of Una. Dearly loved father of Michelle, Deirdre and James. Sadly missed by his loving son-in-law Anthony (O’Dwyer), daughter-in-law Eileen (O’Dea), his 10 adored grandchildren, Dara, Eoghan, Ben, Thomas, Joe, Jed, Daniel, Grace, Harry and Beibhinn, brothers Sean, Gerard and sister Mary, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Predeceased by his brother Mossie.

"Reposing at Thompsons Funeral Home, Thomas Street, Limerick this Monday evening (5th December) from 5pm to 7pm.

"Funeral arriving at St. Joseph’s Church, O’Connell Avenue on Tuesday (6th December) for Requiem Mass at 2.00pm followed by burial in Crecora cemetery."