FF Leader Expresses Condolences on Death of Councillor Willie Callaghan

Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin TD has expressed his condolences to the family and friends of party colleague and sitting Councillor Willie Callaghan. (Kildare County Council)

Deputy Martin commented, “It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Willie Callaghan yesterday.  Willie was a friend and colleague and he will be greatly missed.

“Willie was a tireless representative and advocate for his community in Naas.  He brought huge energy and commitment to his work and this continued even after he had become ill. Willie stood by his constituents through difficult times over many years and it was fitting I believe that last May they stood by him once again, re-electing him to Kildare County Council.

“Willie was first elected to Naas Town Council in 1988 and also served as a member of Kildare County Council since 2003. He was the first Mayor of Naas, elected to the role in 2000, and has since served as mayor twice in 2012 and in 2013.  Willie was extremely committed to local government and improving services in the community.  He served as National Treasurer and then National President of the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland.

“Willie’s passion for education saw him take on key roles with Kildare VEC and the boards of management at Ardscoil Raith Iomghain, Confey Community College, Maynooth Post Primary School and St. Wolstans College Celbridge.

“Willie was a great public representative and on behalf of myself and the entire national Fianna Fáil organisation, I want to express my deepest sympathy to his wife Kay, their children Deborah, Mark, Lorraine and Ian and their entire family at this very difficult time.”

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”