MICHAEL Collins, who died in Milford Care Centre yesterday morning at the age of 82, was a former Fianna Fáil TD and Chairman of Limerick County Council.
A native of Abbeyfeale, he was a member of a prominent Limerick political family who have retained a seat in the consistency since 1948.
His father James and brother Gerry were also elected as TDs with Gerry serving as an MEP and Minister in successive Fianna Fáil Governments. He is father of Cllr James Collins and uncle of Minister of State Niall Collins.
He served as a member of Limerick County Council for almost 30 years, initially as a member of Fianna Fáil and latterly as an Independent.
He was also a member of the Limerick business community as proprietor of the Railway Hotel, opposite Colbert Station in Limerick City.
Taoiseach Michael Martin described Mr Collins as an engaging, warm and hard-working public representative, a man committed to his electorate and constituency.
“He worked tirelessly and diligently on their behalf, both in his capacity as councillor and later as TD. Michael advocated forcefully for Limerick city and county and the wider mid-west region.
“On my own behalf, and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil organisation, I offer my sincere condolences to Michael’s wife Una, his son Cllr James, daughters Michelle and Deirdre, brothers former TD, Minister and MEP Gerard and Seán, sister Mary and the wider Collins family, including his nephew Minister of State Niall, and his ten grandchildren,” Mr Martin added.
