TRIBUTES have been paid to former Fianna Fáil TD and county councillor, Eddie Wade, who passed away this past Saturday (February 15).
Mr Wade, of Cahernorry, Drombana, County Limerick, served in the Dáil between 1997 and 2002 representing the former Limerick East constituency.
The 76-year-old was one of the longest serving local public representatives on the former Limerick County Council, representing Castleconnell and the Cappamore Kilmallock electoral areas.
He was first elected to the Council in 1979, retaining his seat in 1985, 1991, 2004, and 2009, before stepping away from politics in 2014 on health grounds.
Colleagues and friends have remembered him as being dedicated to helping the communities he served in south east County Limerick, particularly the elderly, disadvantaged, and disabled.
Mr Wade had also previously served as vice-chairman of the Limerick GAA County Board and proudly had not missed an All-Ireland hurling or football final since the mid-1960s until the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020.
Minister for State at the Department of Justice, and Fianna Fáil party colleage, Niall Collins TD, said Mr Wade was an “excellent public representative, he worked tirelessly for his constituents throughout his long career”.
“I know he will be hugely missed by his community and on behalf of Fianna Fáil in Limerick I wish to express our collective sympathies to Eddie’s family and close friends.”
Other mourners online remembered Mr Wade as “always a great worker for the people of Limerick and beyond”.
“Many a fond memory of him on my doorstep canvassing through the years with his sister Rita and brother-in-law Billy,” one tribute read.
Others described the late Limerick TD as “a genuine and kind person who had always a big smile and had a personal touch in his dealing with others”, as well as a “great character and fantastic storyteller” who “was a great community man and had a deep love and understanding of the people from which he came”.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin remembered Mr Wade as “a tireless champion for the people of Castleconnell and for all of Limerick, always striving to improve his community”.
“He made his mark and left an indelible footprint on all organisations he served with along with the community he represented so loyally and steadfastly.”
A message on behalf of Caherline GAA Club read that Mr Wade was “a great friend to our club and always helped us when we asked for his advice”.
Mr Wade died peacefully at Milford Care Centre surrounded by his loving family, an obituary notice read.
Predeceased by his brothers Pat, John, and Martin, Mr Wade is survived by his sisters Rita and Breda and a large circle of friends and neighbours.
Mr Wade’s remains will repose at Cross’ Funeral Home in Ballyneety from 5pm-7pm this Tuesday (February 18), followed by prayers.
Funeral Mass will take place at 12pm at St Patrick’s Church, Knockea, on Wednesday, with burial afterwards in Donoughmore cemetery.
Mr Wade’s obituary notice added: “Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to the Milford Care Centre.”
