TRIBUTES have been paid to a much loved former mayor of Limerick who passed away this past Tuesday (December 26).
Patrick (Paddy) Madden passed away peacefully on St Stephen’s Day at Milford Care Centre in Castletroy, surrounded by his loving family.
Mr Madden, of Bracken Crescent, North Circular Road, and formerly of the Dublin Road, received his education at St Patrick’s National School and St Munchin’s College. He was an active member of Richmond RFC, Caledonians FC, and St Patrick’s GAA Club in his youth.
The dedicated Fianna Fáil man, who had a stellar career with Irish Cement, was first elected as a public representative in Limerick in 1979. By June 1988, he found himself wearing the mayoral robes and was again named mayor in 1990-1991, presiding over the 300th celebration of the Treaty of Limerick.
He is noted as the last Limerick mayor to serve a full term in the old Town Hall at Rutland Street.
Paying tribute to the late Mr Madden, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Gerald Mitchell, said that “Paddy was a people person, as comfortable to welcome heads of state to the city as well as he was serving the local voters.”
“To serve the city twice as the first citizen is an historic feat and showcased Paddy’s resilience for the political world.”
Chief executive of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, added:
“Those in the Council who worked with him remember him fondly as a gentleman. Mayor Madden’s work with Treaty 300, Limerick City VEC, Harbour Commissioners, and the Mid Western Health Board showed his diverse range of interests, all with the common theme of making Limerick City a better place.”
Mr Madden is survived by his beloved wife Mary, children Pat and Clair, grandchildren Leo, Nicole, and Clara, daughter-in-law Rose, son-in-law Dominic, sister Mary, brother Jimmy, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, and a wide network of relatives and friends.
He is predeceased by his parents Vera and James and brother Séan.
Mr Madden will be reposing at Cross’s Funeral Home on Lower Gerald Griffin Street today (Thursday) from 4.30pm to 6pm, followed by removal to Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Ennis Road.
Requiem Mass for the former Limerick Mayor will take place on Friday (December 29) at Our Lady of the Rosary, with funeral afterwards at Shannon Crematorium at 4pm.
Mr Madden’s family have requested that the family home remain strictly private and that no flowers be given. Donations, if desired, can be made to Milford Care Centre.
