The Late Joe Dooley It was with deep sense of shock that the people of Offaly heard of the death of Joe Dooley (83), Lisheen, Birr, who was from almost 20 years a member of Offaly County Council. He retired from politics at last June's elections, having been returned for the Birr Electoral Area in 1985, 1991 and 1999. He served as County Council Chairman, and was also a member of Birr U.D.C. (now Birr Town Council) from 1994-99. He chaired the County Council's Strategic Policy Committee on Housing, Community and Cultural Services and was a member of the Midland Regional Authority. The Drumcullen native was also a well-known GAA man and a keen bridge player. He won his first county hurling medal in 1943 and went on to win seven senior championship medals for Drumcullen. He also served Offaly GAA as a selector and assistant trainer, as Assistant Secretary to the County Board, and as a member of the Fixtures and Disciplinary Committee for over 20 years. He was also Secretary and Chairman, at various times, of the Drumcullen club. The deceased became a public representative after retiring from the Council's road staff. He is survived by his wife Kitty, son Pat (Lisheen), daughters Mary O'Rouke (Banagher) Ann Connell (Roscommon) Teresa Ryan (Birr) and Catherine Troy (Rath), brothers Eddie and Jim, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, sons and daughter-in-law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends, to all of whom sincere sympathy is extended. The Minister for Finance, Mr Brian Cowen, paid tribute, saying "Joe was a very popular local representive for Fianna Fail who served with distinction on both Birr Urban District Council and Offaly County Council. He had a life long association with the GAA both as a player and administrator and he proudly hurled for his beloved Drumcullen and the Offaly County team. Indeed, he was one of Offaly's greatest supporters and was a regular attender of a club and county fixtures at all levels. He was also a talented Bridge player and derived great pleasure from this pastime. A popular Foreman on the Roads Section of Offaly County Council. Joe was well regarded and respected by his many work colleagues over the years. His work experience helped him to build up a detailed knowledge of the needs and requirements of his own electoral area and the county generally. As a result, he was always in a position to make an informed and constructive contribution to the affairs of local Government. While Joe was committed and assiduous in everything he took part in, whether work, politics or sport, he was also a man with a great sense of fun and good humour which meant that he often lightened up many a tense and difficult moment when others were getting excited or becoming intemperate in discussions at meetings or indeed in the Council Chambers. Joe had a deep Christian conviction and his faith helped his through the challenges which his illness presented to him in later years. He will be remembered with deep affection and there is a palpable sense of loss among those of us whose privilege it was to know and work with him over many years. He was a true friend and loyal supporter and he had left us with an excellent example of what Fianna Fail is and should be about commitment to his community and a preparedness to help those of his constituents who sought his assistance. Joe Dooley will be greatly missed for his wise counsel and his steadfast loyalty to the Fianna Fail party in which he served so well. Monday's meeting of Offaly County Council adjourned for a half-hour as a mark of respect to the deceased and to the late Tim Carroll, another former Birr councillor who died recently. Council Dervill Dolan, Chairman, led the tributes, describing Joe Dooley as "a true gentleman". Mr Niall Sweeney, County Manager, paid tribute to Mr. Dooley on behalf of the staff. Guards of honour at the obsequies were formed by councillors, members of the Fianna Fail organisation and representatives of the GAA. Interment took place in Rath Cemetery after Requiem Mass in St. John's Church, Rath. Courtesy of the Offaly Express 21st January 2005 Tweet

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