Former Labour TD Joe Sherlock dies, aged 71
Tributes are today being paid to former Labour TD Joe Sherlock, who died this morning after an illness.
Mr Sherlock, 71, retired from public life this summer when he did not stand for re-election to the Dáil.
The Cork East TD was succeeded in the seat by his son Sean. He is also survived by his wife Ellen and children Joseph and Una.
Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore said he was shocked and saddened by the death of his colleague.
"Joe was a warm friend and a wonderful colleague over many years and his death will be greatly felt both in the Labour Party and among the people of Mallow and the surrounding areas," said Mr Gilmore.
"Joe's entire life was driven by a sense of public duty - in the trade union movement, on the local authorities and in the Dáil and Seanad.
"At every level, Joe always put the needs of others before his own interests.
"First elected to Mallow Urban District Council in 1967, at the time of his retirement earlier this year, Joe had given a remarkable 40 years of unbroken public service to the people of his area."
Born in Kildorrery, Co Cork, Mr Sherlock worked for 18 years at Irish Sugar PLC (formerly CSET) for 18 years and is a former secretary of the SIPTU Mallow Branch (No. 2).
He was first elected to Mallow Urban District Council in 1967 and Cork County Council in 1974.
He was first elected to the Dáil in 1981, re-elected in February 1982, lost his seat in December 1982, and re-elected in 1987, and 1989.
Mr Sherlock served in the Seanad from 1992-1997, was re-elected to the Dáil in May 2002, but announced in July 2005 that he would not be seeking re-election.
Mr Gilmore said the former TD was an outstanding public representative whose dedication and commitment to the people he represented was an inspiration to all.
"The successful battle he fought to retain Mallow General Hospital, over a period of more than 30 years, was a shining example of that dedication and commitment," he continued.
"Joe had not always been in great health over the past few years, but remained active up to his retirement at the time of the General Election.
"He was particularly proud that his son, Sean, retained the Labour Party seat in that General Election.
"On behalf of the Labour Party I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to his wife Ellen, his children, Joseph, Sean and Una and to all his friends and colleagues in the East Cork constituency."
Fine Gael's Cork-East TD David Stanton also offered his sympathies.
"He was an institution in East Cork, serving for over 40 years at every level from Mallow Urban Council to national Senator to his long and proud record as a member of Dáil Éireann," said Mr Stanton.
"Joe will be remembered as a resolute defender of his people and a kind-hearted, dedicated man and his outstanding record of public service is continued today by his son Sean."
Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin also expressed sympathy to the Sherlock family and to the leader of the Labour Party, Eamon Gilmore.
“As a fellow TD, I found Joe Sherlock to be a very decent man and a diligent elected representative who always championed the needs of his constituents in East Cork,” he said.
“I extend deepest sympathy to his family and to his Labour Party colleagues.”
