Mayor of Kilkenny, Joe Malone reveals prostate cancer diagnosis

Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr Joe Malone, has told the Kilkenny People he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Mr Malone, a Fianna Fáil councillor in Kilkenny City since 2009 underwent four-hour keyhole surgery at Dublin's Mater Hospital last Friday and is recovering well after the procedure.

"I would appeal to men to go and get checked out and let the experts tell you whether there's something there or not," he said.

"We're all living fast lives now and maybe we don’t have time to get checked but if you get a car you get it serviced and I would appeal for men to get a medical once a year and let them (the doctors) tell you," Mr Malone added.

Originally from Rosbercon on the Kilkenny-Wexford border, the Fianna Fáil councillor came to Kilkenny in 1979 and has become a prominent figure locally. He is currently serving his second term as Mayor and is well-known for his work in the local community, most notably organising and co-ordinating a pilgrimage to Medjugorje for young people each year.

Cllr Malone underwent MRI and biopsy tests in recent months and was formally diagnosed with prostate cancer in January, despite showing no signs of feeling unwell. However, the news didn't come as a huge surprise to the O'Loughlin Gaels clubman, with his strong religious faith providing constant comfort.

"I only started worrying about it last Thursday or Friday when I walked through the door of the hospital. Whether that's a good or a bad thing I'm not sure, I was very busy in the months of November and December and the most of January and February as well. I have strong faith in God so I had no worries whatsoever and I just said what is to be, is to be and it's in God's hands."

"When you get a diagnosis sometimes it's hard to take it in but the professionals that are there are just unbelievable," Mr Malone commented.

The local man had a distinguished career in the Irish Army, serving at James Stephens Barracks locally and he has hailed the annual health check-up he had experienced throughout his career as a major contributor in the prostate cancer being discovered, stating, he's aware of many former soldiers who have received the same check up as a result of their military background. 

Despite the setback, Mr Malone is keen to move on with life and get back to a hectic schedule politically and personally. 

"My politics is community. People ring me all the time and I try and do the best I can, maybe I don't really switch off but over the last few days I've had no choice and when I speak to people on the phone they respect that." 

The Fianna Fáil councillor went on to thank his medical team, family and friends for their support to date and after a period of recuperation, Malone is excited at the prospect of what lies ahead.