Kilkenny councillors pay tribute to former councillor who has died

North Kilkenny councillors held a minute’s silence in memory of a number of local people who recently passed away.

Chair of the Castlecomer Municipal District, Councillor Mary Hilda Cavanagh, proposed a vote of sympathy on the death of Billy Holmes, from Johnstown.

Mr Holmes was a former councillor, who was first co-opted onto Kilkenny County Council in the 1960s before winning a number of elections and staying on the council until 1974.

Cllr Cavanagh recalled how she won the seat on the council vacated by Mr Holmes.

The Johnstown man passed away on May 25.

Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick recalled how Mr Holmes worked as a porter in Hotel Kilkenny and was “really one of the nicest people you could meet. I hope heaven is his bed. He was a real gentleman.”

Cllr Cavanagh said Mr Holmes was ‘involved in everything that was good in Johnstown’.

John Carroll - Gowran

Cllr Fitzpatrick also remembered the late John Carroll, Gowran, a “distinguished member of the farming community.”

Mr Carroll was synonymous with ‘community’ in Gowran, the councillor said.

Luke Crosby - Freshford

Cllr Michael McCarthy included in the sympathy vote Luke Crosby, from Freshford, who died following a tragic accident, in June.

Cllr Cavanagh said she remembered Mr Crosby from a Leaving Cert service just last May and his death was a “desperate tragedy.”

All councillors and council staff stood for a minute’s silence in memory of the deceased.