Tipperary councillor Willie Kennedy dies after being hit by car

Tributes have been paid to popular Tipperary Cllr Willie Kennedy who was hit by a car and killed after attending a funeral in Co Laois on Monday night.

Cllr Kennedy, who would have turned 65 this October, was part of Michael Lowry TD’s team of Independent councillors.

He has been described by colleagues as a “true gentleman”, “genuine” and “one of a kind”.

It is understood Cllr Kennedy was walking from a funeral near Stradbally when he was struck by a passing vehicle on the N80 at Dysart about 8.30pm.

He was treated by emergency services at the scene and taken to Portlaoise General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The driver of the car in his 50s was not injured during the incideent.

Fellow Independent Cllr Michael Lowry Jr said he was in shock and "disbelief" hearing the news.

He said Mr Kennedy was a “good friend” and “one of a kind”.

“We are all devastated by the news. We can’t get our heads around it,” he said.

Mr Kennedy, from Glastrigan in Borrisoleigh, is survived by his wife and three children.

Mr Kennedy was a councillor in the Thurles and Templemore area and was re-elected in 2014.

Joe McGrath, chief executive of Tipperary County Council, said Cllr Kennedy would be greatly missed and remembered with respect.

“His death will be a huge loss to his many friends and colleagues in the council and his community,” he said.

“Our hearts go out to Willie’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

Local Cathaoirleach Seamus Hanafin(FF) described Cllr Kennedy as a “genuine, friendly colleague” who was committed to serving his county.

“We have lost a one of life’s gentlemen, a good friend and a valued councillor, who was well liked by all who met him and well respected by all those who served with him,” he said.

Cllr Kennedy was first elected to the authority in 1985. He had been the chairman of the Vocational Education Committee/Education Training Board between 2009- 2014 and a member of the council’s roads strategic policy committee.