TRIBUTES have been paid to former Mayor of Limerick, Frank Prendergast, who has died at the age of 81.
Labour TD and Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan expressed her sadness at the passing of former Mayor of Limerick and TD. The 81-year-old passed away on Thursday night after a long battle with cancer.
“I was saddened to learn this morning of the passing of Frank Prendergast – politician, trade unionist and Limerick man to his core. Our thoughts at this time are with his wife Mary and his family,” said Minister O’Sullivan.
“Frank was deeply committed to the Labour movement and through both the ITGWU and the Labour Party; he fought to improve the living and working conditions of ordinary people across the City. As a public representative in both Dáil Éireann and on the Council, he served all the people of Limerick with tenacity and dedication.
“Frank had an abiding love of Limerick and its people. He was passionate about the history of Limerick and in particular the story of the labour movement in city and county. His love of history was matched by his love of the Irish language. He was a regular contributor to Irish language programmes and publications and his enthusiasm for the language informed his life of public service. Recently he has been an inspiring Chairperson of the Board of Management of Gaelcoláiste Luimnigh, a role I know he was particularly proud of and that he carried out with great energy,” she continued.
“Frank was dedicated to his wife Mary and his children and grandchildren and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time,” said Minister O’Sullivan.
Fine Gael TD, Kieran O’Donnell, also expressed his deepest sympathies.
“I was very saddened to hear of Frank’s passing. He was the nicest of men, and I am proud to have known him personally,” said Deputy O’Donnell.
“There was a very deep affection and respect for Frank among his political colleagues in Limerick and beyond. He will truly be missed,” he added.
Elected to the Dáil in 1982, Frank served as a TD for Limerick East for four years. A staunch trade unionist, he had a long association with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, and was twice elected mayor of Limerick in 1977 and 1984.
Labour councillor Joe Leddin said he was deeply saddened to hear of Frank’s passing.
“Frank was a lover of the Irish language, a fluent Gaeilgeoir, and a lover of the arts,” Cllr Leddin recalled.
Frank is survived by his wife Mary and their children.
