Cody, Joe
August 01, 2008
Fairwell to Joe, a beloved friend of the city
Much loved and respected Cllr Joe Cody passed way on Friday morning, surrounded by his devoted family.
The long serving member of Kilkenny Borough Council and Kilkenny County Council lost his battle with illness at age 55.
Born on August 13, 1952, Joe grew up in Newpark in Kilkenny city, at the heart of the community where he dedicated his life to serving. He always did so not for any type of glory or payment, but because it was simply what a kind and decent person such as himself felt obliged to do.
After leaving school in 1972, Joe started work at Fit Remoulds tyre company and later took up employment at Avonmore Creameries, which became Glanbia. The witty wordsmith then appropriately opened a bookshop at John's Bridge in the city. Under the shop's name read the slogan 'Books make the best furniture' and customers and visitors could always find a comfortable and homelike welcome in Joe's shop. In line with his family ethos, the bookshop's official opening was launched not by celebrities or dignitaries, but by Joe's father and father in law.
A qualified councillor, in later years Joe worked with disadvantaged youths, through his service at Kilkenny Employment for Youth (KEY).
His service to the community was also abundant as a member of Kilkenny's two local authorities. The Labour Party member was first elected to Kilkenny Corporation (which is now Kilkenny Borough Council) in 1974 at age 21, the youngest person ever elected to the council. Joe later expanded his efforts as a member of Kilkenny County Council, and he served on both local authorities until he had to resign his seat due to ill health.
From the moment he took his seat, his mission was always to help people in need, rather than any ambition to attract the headlines or the spotlight. He always made a point of talking to people of all backgrounds and opinions. He was so respectful and respected that the members of Kilkenny Borough Council were unanimous in supporting his nomination as Mayor of Kilkenny, despite a voting pact which otherwise divided members on party lines in such elections.
"He was flamboyant in the way that he gave of himself but that was the only time he was ever flamboyant," his brother Ger said by way of tribute to Joe, who served as best man at Ger's wedding.
Joe was also a passionate supporter of the GAA, and in his childhood he was a member of the St. John's under 14 hurling team which defeated Piltown in the 1963 county final.
Joe is survived by his loving wife Noelle, daughters Ailsh, Kathleen and Roisin, son Patrick, brothers Frank, Pat and Ger, sister Marguerite, other relatives and a wide circle of friends.
Kilkenny People 1/8/08
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