Fine Gael Limerick TD, Patrick O’Donovan, has today extended his condolences to former Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, Mary Harty, who has passed away after a long battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
“It was with great sadness that I heard of the death of my friend, former Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, Mary Harty, who has passed away after a long battle with MND.
“Everyone is talking about MND this week and it is ironic that is it at this time that we should lose such a wonderful public representative and for me personally, such a good friend.
“Only last week I was delighted to accept Mary’s Ice Bucket Challenge and I know from talking to her sister that the challenge gave her a welcome boost.
“I sat beside Mary in Limerick County Council and we became great friends. I saw how she devoted herself to the East Limerick area that first elected her in 1999.
“Outside of politics, Mary was embedded in her local community as a teacher in Nicker.
“She nominated me to stand for the Dáil in 2010 and campaigned every day with me across East Limerick. She came to Dublin with me, together with my family and friends, when I took my seat in the Dáil in March 2011 and she was thrilled to see Fine Gael, who she had worked so hard for, for so long, being elected to Government.
“Mary was diagnosed with MND after completing her term as Cathaoirleach, a year she really enjoyed. She carried out her duty with great dignity and represented her county with huge ability at home and abroad.
“Mary was dedicated to promoting awareness of MND and working for her community in Pallasgreen and Nicker.
“On a personal basis I want to extend my sympathy to Mary’s sisters, Carmel and Siobhán, her brother Eamon and to her extended family. Our sense of loss will be nothing to that of her family, her carers and those who looked after her during her illness.
“County Limerick, and in particular East Limerick, has lost a great servant and friend.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”