Former Labour TD Frank Prendergast to be laid to rest

Former Labour TD and Mayor of Limerick Frank Prendergast will be laid to rest on Monday.

The 81-year-old died following a battle with cancer last Thursday.

Mr Prendergast served two terms as Mayor of Limerick city and was also a Labour TD for Limerick East from 1982 to 1987.

A respected historian and trade unionist, he will be reposing at Thompson’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street between 4.30pm and 7.30pm on Sunday.

He will removed to St John’s Cathedral, where his funeral mass will take place at 12.30 on Monday.

Mr Prendergast was passionate about workers’ rights and was an official of the Irish Transport and General Worker’s Union and a champion of the Irish language.

The Tánaiste Joan Burton was among those who paid tribute to the well-known Limerick politician.

“Not only was Frank a passionate and hard-working public representative, he was also a respected historian, author, trade unionist and devote Gaeilgeoir. Frank had a deep pride in being from Limerick and in his Labour heritage.

“He will be missed by a great many people locally and in the wider Labour movement,” said Ms Burton.

The Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan said Mr Prendergast would be a huge loss to the party.

“Frank is a huge loss to the Labour Party in Limerick, the Labour Party in general but particularly to the people of Limerick. Above all things he was very a proud Limerick man but also a very proud member of the trade union movement,” Minister O’Sullivan said.

Mr Prendergast is survived by his wife Mary and children Conor, Eoghan, Orla and Aedán.