A special event to honour one of Kilkenny's longest serving county councillors took place recently in Dáíl Eireann when Pat Millea was presented with a certificate to acknowledge his public service.
Minister Jack Chambers, Deputy Leader of Fianna Fáil paid a glowing tribute to Pat Millea, a former Fianna Fáil councillor who served the people of Kilkenny for over three decades.
“It is a rare privilege in public life to be able to pay tribute to someone that served as a Councillor for
34 years, from June 1985 to May 2019 and a man that gave dedicated public service as a member of Kilkenny County Council, representing North Kilkenny and Tullaroan with unwavering commitment.
"In those years, Pat built, not just a record, but a reputation — one grounded in loyalty, integrity and a deep belief in community.
"Originally from Warrington and later proudly settled in Tullaroan, Pat immersed himself fully in the life of his adopted home. He understood rural Ireland, he valued neighbourliness, and he believed that public office was not about status but about service.
"Pat contested a number of general elections on behalf of Fianna Fáil. While he did not secure a Dáil seat, he consistently polled strongly and earned widespread respect across the constituency.
"Transfers may not have fallen his way, but his campaigns were far from in vain. They laid the foundations for Fianna Fáil’s continued strength in Kilkenny, helping to secure the position where the Party regularly returns two TDs , one of which is John McGuinness who with Pat's assistance secured a first ever FF seat in Kilkenny City. His efforts strengthened the organisation, energised members, and built enduring local structures.
"Within Fianna Fáil, Pat became known as a master strategist. He gave generously of his time, his experience and his political insight to candidates at both local and national level. His advice was sharp, his judgement sound, and his loyalty absolute.
"But politics alone does not define Pat Millea," said Minister Chambers.
"As a councillor, he commanded huge respect because of how he treated people. He was especially committed to those who found themselves marginalised, overlooked or in difficulty. His sense of social justice was not rhetorical — it was practical.
"He worked quietly and persistently behind the scenes to secure housing, resolve problems, and open doors for families in need. Many of the things he achieved will never appear in any public record — known only to the individuals and families whose lives were changed because Pat cared enough to act.
"His election as Chairman of Kilkenny County Council in 2001 and again in 2014 marked high points in a distinguished career. As Chairman, he represented Kilkenny with pride and vision. He led a delegation to New York to promote the county as a place of heritage, culture and investment opportunity, meeting leaders in business and tourism to strengthen international ties. During that visit, he laid a wreath at the site of the 9/11 attacks on behalf of the citizens of Kilkenny — a gesture that reflected his deep humanity and respect for shared history.
"Behind all of this stood his beloved late wife, Margaret — the love of his life and the steady guiding hand who supported him in public life, in farming, and in family. Pat would be the first to acknowledge that whatever he achieved was built on the foundation of a strong and happy home.
"Today, Pat’s legacy is not measured only in years served or offices held. It is measured in the trust he built, the friendships he formed, the Party he strengthened, and the countless people he helped along the way," concluded the deputy leader.
In his remarks, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, John McGuinness TD, said;
“Public life is richer because of Pat Millea. I am personally and politically grateful for his counsel, his
loyalty and his friendship. It is only right that we recognise his immense contribution while he is here to receive that appreciation — and to thank him for a lifetime of service given with generosity, humility and compassion “
Pat was presented with a special lapel badge to mark the centenary of FF and a certificate in honour of him.
