LIMERICK is a city shocked and saddened by the sudden death of a great family man and one of its most admired public representatives, Cllr Joe Crowley.
The Fianna Fáil councillor collapsed and died while out canvassing ahead of the general election for his close friend and party colleague, Deputy Willie O’Dea.
Cllr Crowley was also known and respected in business circles in the city and was an respected and loved colleague during his time working as a sales representative with the Limerick Post.
The popular northside Fianna Fail member – a right hand man to Willie O’Dea – died suddenly on Monday aged just 54.
He was out canvassing in Drombanna when he collapsed and was rushed to University Hospital Limerick at around 3pm on Monday, where he was pronounced dead. .
He had been on an extended leave from his job as a sales executive with Sky but had returned to an active role as a dedicated public representative.
Mr Crowley had been suffering from severe anaemia.
A shocked Deputy O’Dea suspended his canvass after the tragic death and will continue the suspension for the removal and funeral this week.
Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon, a close friend, said: “He was a very caring person. I’m just devastated. He will be such a loss to his family. He loved his wife Christine – they were going to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this year.”
The FF councillor added: “He was extremely popular. He did not fall out with anybody. He never got into any personal arguments down there. He worked very hard as a councillor. Joe was able to handle any situation”.
Said Deputy O’Dea, “He was in great form, and the next thing he just collapsed. I got the call to say what had happened and I was hoping against hope”.
“Joe was one of the nicest guys you could meet. An excellent human being. Everybody who met him had great affection for him. He had not a bad word to say about anyone. He wanted to help everyone. We have lost a decent human being”.
Cllr Crowley worked with the Limerick Post for several years in the early ’80s and was a loved and admired member of staff.
Advertising Manager with the Limerick Post, Gerry O’Malley paid tribute to a “hard working man and a very generous soul. He was a true family man – if you asked about his wife, Christine or his family, his eyes would just light up. He and Christine were a true love story. He was a caring man who never spoke ill of anyone”.
Cllr Crowley was elected his second time out in Limerick City North in 2014, with 1,014 first preference votes. At the first meeting of the newly merged local authority, he also won election as Leas-Cathaoirleach, a title later changed to deputy mayor.
Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin has said he is extremely saddened to learn of the death of Cllr Crowley.
Mr. Martin said: “I was very shocked to hear of Joe’s passing today. This is a sad and difficult time for his family and friends. I know Joe was really enjoying this election campaign in Limerick working alongside my colleague Willie O’Dea.
“Joe has always lived on the north side of Limerick City. He was rooted in his community and last year was successfully elected to the local authority to represent the party and his constituents. Joe loved community representation, campaigning on local issues and standing up for the causes and concerns that other people wouldn’t take on. Joe’s decency and sense of public service will be missed”.
“I want to offer my sincerest condolences and those of the entire Fianna Fáil organisation to Joe’s wife Christine, their children Vivienne, Andrew and Hugh and his friends and colleagues in Limerick.”
Cllr Crowley is survived by his wife Christine, and adult children Hugh, 18, Andrew, 21 and Vivienne, 23.
The late Mr Crowley will be waked in his home at 29 Westfield park North Circular Road this Wednesday between 4pm and 8pm. Removal will be to Our Lady of the Rosary Church at 11am on Thursday with burial afterwards to St Nicholas Cemetery in Adare.
