‘Community man to his core’: Sadness as ex-Limerick councillor goes to his God

THE FINAL resting place of Oola’s Joe Meagher encompasses the man’s life as Joe was part of the voluntary committee that built St Anthony’s graveyard.

The former Fianna Fail councillor, and Oola GAA and Limerick senior footballer, who played in goals in a Munster final against Kerry in 1965, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday.

Minister for State Niall Collins said Joe was a man who “never let age be a barrier to life”.

Mr Collins had only met Joe in recent weeks at a funeral.

“I met him on the way out and we had a nice chat. He was talking about the next general election. He was a great friend and I’ll miss him greatly,” said Mr Collins.

Joe had spoken to this reporter in recent times too as he was mulling over running in the local elections next year. 

“Joe Biden is 80 and Donald Trump is 77 - they have more respect for age in America. My mind is 100%. What’s stopping me going again?” laughed Joe, who was always in good form and would put whomever he was talking to in good form.

He served as a county councillor from 1999 to 2004 but narrowly missed out on being re-elected in 2004 and 2009. Joe ran as an Independent in 2014, getting 982 first preferences before returning to the Fianna Fail fold in 2019.

Mr Collins said Joe was an outstanding public representative for Fianna Fail.

“He was really dedicated to his community through politics, and through the post office and his service as the local postmaster in Oola with his late wife Mary. He was a community welfare officer and involved in many local voluntary organisations in Oola like the St Anthony’s graveyard committee which they got up and running. 

“He was chairman of Oola Community Alert and very involved in the text alert scheme. Joe was very good to elderly people and helped get them personal alarms and other security measures so they felt safer in their own home. He had a big heart, was always willing to help, and was a go-to person in the community,” said Mr Collins.

Limerick Brothers separated by county borders go to their God two days apart

Cathaoirleach of the Cappamore-Kilmallock Municipal District, Cllr Mike Donegan said: “Sincere condolences to the Meagher family on the sad passing of Joe. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Ar dheis Dè go raibh a anam.”

Cllr Eddie Ryan said he was so sorry to hear of the passing of his very close friend, Joe. 

“He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends. May his gentle soul rest in peace,” said Cllr Ryan.

The beloved husband of the late Mary and father-in-law of the late Miriam will be sadly missed by his loving family, daughter Grainne, sons Ed., Willie and Paul, grandchildren Cormac and Niamh, his sister Teresa and extended family.

Reposing at Ryan & White's Funeral Home, Pallasgreen, on Friday evening, November 3 from 5pm until 7pm. Requiem Mass for Joe will take place in The Church of the Sacred Heart, Oola on Saturday, November 4, at 11.30am with burial afterwards in St Anthony’s cemetery, Oola.

In recent times Joe was advocating for a footpath to be built between Oola Community Centre and St Anthony's cemetery. When it is completed, in time, many will walk that path to pay their respects to Joe.