Offaly mourns passing of former Birr Town Councillor

THE death has occurred of a former member of Birr Town Council, Edward (Eddie) Enright, Ormond House, Birr and formerly of Shinrone.

Eddie passed away peacefully, in his 86th year, on September 25th, 2023, in the wonderful care of Ealga Lodge, Nursing Home, Shinrone.

Eddie grew up in Shinrone and although he lived in Birr for many years, he was always proud of his Shinrone connections.

He was a long standing member of Fine Gael and the Enright family were synonymous with the political scene in Offaly since the 1960s with Eddie's brother Tom and his niece Olwyn both serving as TDs for Laois Offaly.

Eddie himself was a member of Birr Urban District Council, later Birr Town Council, for a number of decades and he served as Council Chairman on a number of occasions. He fought fiercely to promote Birr and try to get the best for the town and he was never afraid to express his views at Council meetings. He was often forthright in his views, even if they weren't popular, but always at the heart of it was his desire to do the best for the people of Birr.

Eddie was a publican and also ran an auctioneering business in Birr for many years, initially on Main Street, before moving to Ormond House in Emmet Square, where the family also operated a B & B.

He was also involved in many other organisations in the town, including Birr Rugby Club, and he took a great interest in and was a great supporter of other local teams as well, particularly Birr and Offaly hurling teams, which he regularly travelled to support.

In later years he was probably more better known as the father of popular singer/songwriter Mundy and Eddie was proud to see his son do well on the international stage.

Mundy has a paid a heartfelt tribute to him describing him as a “real one off”.

"He was one of my best friends. I could tell him almost everything. We locked horns too! He would have turned 86 in November. I feel very fortunate that he was my Dad for so long," Mundy said in a social media post.

Mundy acknowledged that the last few years were tough for his dad, especially during Covid.

"Thanks to all the people who minded him in Ealga and Eliza lodge and in Tullamore and Galway.

"I love you Dad, thank you. X," he said.

Predeceased by his sister Marie (Poole), Eddie will be sadly missed by his loving wife Antoinette, his sons Niall and Edmond (Mundy), daughter-in-law Sarah, his adored grandchildren Eden and Belle, his brothers Tom (Birr) and Anselm (Dublin), his sister Helen (Portlaoise), brothers-in -law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends, to all of whom sincere sympathy is extended.

Eddie's remains will be reposing at Boyd’s Funeral Home, Birr, (R42YF75) on Thursday from 5pm-7.30pm.

Removal on Friday morning at 10.15a.m. to arrive at St. Brendan’s Church, Birr at 10.45am for Funeral Mass at 11am followed by burial in Clonoghill Cemetery, Birr.