Election candidate dies just two weeks after launching bid

A local election candidate has died unexpectedly, just a fortnight after launching his bid for a seat on Cork County Council.

Phil Leahy was bidding for election in the Fermoy area for Fine Gael, in what was his first time standing for public office after decades of involvement with the party. The dairy farmer from Ballyhooly, believed to have been in his late 50s, passed away early yesterday.

He and his wife Ann have three young adult sons.