Taoiseach pays tribute to Limerick TD following his passing
TAOISEACH Micheal Martin has paid tribute to the former TD Michael Collins following his passing.
The late former chairman of Limerick County Council passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning at the age of 82.
Mr Collins was first elected as a Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick West in 1997, taking the seat held for many years by his brother Gerard, a seat originally won by his father, James, in 1948. He was re-elected in 2002.
The Fianna Fáil leader paid tribute to the former hotelier saying he was "saddened" to hear of his death.
"Michael was an engaging, warm and hard-working public representative, a man committed to his electorate and constituency.
"He worked tirelessly and diligently on their behalf, both in his capacity as councillor and later as TD. Michael advocated forcefully for Limerick city and county and the wider mid-west region.
"On my own behalf, and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil organisation, I offer my sincere condolences to Michael’s wife Una, his son Cllr James, daughters Michelle and Deirdre, brothers former TD, Minister and MEP Gerard and Seán, sister Mary and the wider Collins family, including his nephew Minister of State Niall, and his 10 grandchildren".
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.
Mr Collins will be reposing at Reposing at Thompsons Funeral Home, Thomas Street, Limerick this Monday evening from 5pm to 7pm.
Funeral arriving at St. Joseph’s Church, O’Connell Avenue on Tuesday for Requiem Mass at 2.00pm followed by burial in Crecora cemetery.