Deputy mayor Joe Crowley dies on canvass

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has led tributes to a local councillor who died while canvassing for Willie O’Dea in Limerick.

Joe Crowley, who was elected to Limerick city and county council in 2014, was canvassing for Mr O’Dea yesterday when he collapsed.

The married father-of-three, from Westfield Park in the city, was later pronounced dead in hospital.

Paying tribute to Mr Crowley, whom he knew for over 25 years, Mr O’Dea said: “He was an extremely affable man. Everybody he met liked him. He had a keen interest in the community and did an awful amount of work for his community. His loss is immeasurable.”

Mr Martin said he was shocked to hear of the death, adding it was a sad and difficult time for his family and friends.

“I know Joe was really enjoying this election campaign in Limerick working alongside my colleague Willie O’Dea,” said Mr Martin. ”He was rooted in his community and last year was successfully elected to the local authority to represent the party and his constituents. Joe’s decency and sense of public service will be missed as a result of his untimely passing today.”

Mr Crowley, who was director of marketing and communications for Mr O’Dea during the 2011 elections, had been going from door to door on the canvass yesterday afternoon when he collapsed outside a house.

Mr O’Dea said: “We had a couple of teams out canvassing and he was with a particular group in Drumbanna which is just outside Limerick city.”

Earlier this month, Mr Crowley, who was in his early 50s, spoke out about a health scare which stopped him working for six months and encouraged men his aged to get checked.

He is survived by his wife Christine, daughter Vivienne, 23, and his sons Andrew, 21, and Hugh 18.

For more election news, analysis and general banter join us HERE