Well known Laois figure Mr Rotimi Adebari, the first black mayor in Ireland, sadly lost his wife Ibironke following a cardiac arrest in August of 2024.

One year on, Mr Adebari and his family have fundraised for the installation of an automated external defibrillator (AED) to be installed on the Portlaoise site where Mrs Adebari sadly passed away.

Pictured: Mr Rotimi Adebari and Fianna Fáil TD Sean Fleming cut the ribbon on the new AED in Portlaoise

This fundraiser was supported by the family and friends of the Adebari family, with funds also raised by Laois Bible Church and Mrs Adebari's former colleagues at Tusla.

Mrs Adebari passed away on the Borris Road, Portlaoise at 8am on August 22, 2024. Exactly one year on, to the hour, family, friends and local figures gathered for the installation of the defibrillator.

"We were honoured to assist with this project in memory of Ibironke Adebari," a spokesperson for Laois Civil Defence has said.

Pictured: Damien Dollard of Laois Civil Defence assisting with the installation of the defibrillator

"Well done to the Adebari family and Ibironkes friends and colleagues who donated this valuable asset to the community."

The National Ambulance Service also paid tribute to the Adebari family.

"On Friday August 22, 2025 at 8am, marking exactly a year since Ibironke Adebari suffered a cardiac arrest on this spot, her family and friends honoured her memory by installing a Public Access Defibrillator on the Boris Road in Portlaoise," they said.

There was an abundance of support and kind words online from Laois locals, following the touching tribute from the Adebari family.

"Well done to all involved Laois Bible Church and the family and friends of Ibironke, what a fantastic way to honour her memory and bless others," one user wrote.

Pictured: Ibironke Adebari, who sadly lost her life on August 22, 2024

"That is a fantastic gesture," another person said.

"Well done to all involved, great to see," another user said.

The Adebari family are well known in the Laois community, with political roots and ties to the church.

Mr Adebari was first elected to Laois County Council in 2004 as an Independent. Three years later, the Councillor was elected as Mayor of Portlaoise, making history as Ireland's first black mayor.

He was re-elected to the Council in the 2009 local elections, and made a failed bid in the 2011 general election. Mr Adebari lost his seat on Laois County Council in 2014, though he still remains active in the community.

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