Tánaiste leads tributes following death of Cork councillor Michael Creed

Fine Gael confirmed his death in a statement on Sunday, with tributes paid by party leader Simon Harris.

Michael Creed, from Carrigaphooka in Macroom, had first been elected to Cork County Council in 2009 and retained his seat in every subsequent election.

Fine Gael councillor for Macroom Michael Creed has passed away, aged 68.

The party confirmed his death in a statement on Sunday, with tributes paid by Fine Gael leader Simon Harris.

Mr Creed, from Carrigaphooka in Macroom, was first elected to Cork County Council in 2009 and retained his seat in every subsequent election.

He ran in the 2024 general election in Cork North West, coming fourth in the three-seat constituency, having received 7,321 first-preference votes.

Mr Harris led the tributes to Mr Creed, saying that Fine Gael had lost a “cherished friend”.

“Michael was a warm, honest, hard-working and deeply committed public servant who diligently served the people of North-West Cork for over 17 years,” Mr Harris said.

“When I think of Michael, I think of his extraordinary work ethic and his innate sense of decency.

“As a councillor, Michael believed in putting people first — always carrying out his duties with a great sense of honour and integrity.

“Michael’s loss will be felt profoundly within the Fine Gael family, his community of Macroom-Millstreet and beyond.

“Our thoughts and prayers are very much with his family and at this difficult time."

Mr Creed's friend and party colleague John Paul O'Shea, Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, also paid tribute to the long-standing member of Cork County Council.

"He gave generously of his time and energy in service to his community and was widely respected for his commitment, integrity, and compassion," Mr O'Shea said.

"He was also a valued colleague and friend, having stood alongside me as a Fine Gael candidate in the general election of November 2024 in the Cork North West constituency, where he worked tirelessly for our party and for the people of the region, narrowly missing out on securing a second seat for Fine Gael.

"His loss will be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of working with him and by the many people he represented over the years."

Champion of rural Ireland

Mr Creed first joined Cork County Council through co-option in 2007. A native of Clondrohid, throughout nearly 20 years in public life, he earned a reputation as a steadfast voice for the Macroom-Millstreet area. 

A champion for rural Ireland, he worked tirelessly to advance the needs of those living and working in the countryside. Outside his council duties, Mr Creed was employed with the Department of Agriculture, where he engaged daily with farmers from across Cork North West, offering practical assistance and support.

Mayor of Co Cork Mary Linehan Foley said: “Members and staff of Cork County Council are deeply saddened by the loss of our esteemed colleague. 

"His passing is felt not only within the council but throughout the community he served with such devotion. In all my dealings with him, his commitment to community life, his focus on rural issues, and his determination to ensure fair representation were always evident. 

"He was widely respected by those he represented, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends, and all who worked alongside him.” 

Council chief executive  Moira Murrell said: “Cllr Michael Creed’s service to rural communities has created a legacy that will endure for many years. He will be missed by all across Cork County Council. 

"I offer my sincere sympathies to his family, his colleagues, and those he served with such dedication.”