Funeral details have been announced following the sad passing of Fianna Fail Cllr Jerry Lodge.
The death notice is as follows: “Jerry Lodge, ‘Curra Dubh’, Ridge Road, Portlaoise, died peacefully at The Beacon Hospital, Dublin.
A member of Laois County Council, beloved husband of Patricia (O’ Keeffe) (Newmarket, Co. Cork).
“Deeply and deservedly regretted by his loving wife, sons Damien and Pauric. Sadly missed by his sister Mary Murphy (Dublin), brother Anthony, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, good neighbours and friends.
“Reposing in Keegans Funeral Home, Portlaoise, on Friday from 3pm until removal at 5.50pm to SS Peter & Paul’s Church, Portlaoise, for 6pm. Requiem Mass on Saturday at 1pm, with burial after in SS Peter & Paul’s Cemetery.
“Donations if desired to the Cardiac Unit, Regional Hospital, Portlaoise. Donation box will be in place in the funeral home and church.”
Mr Lodge, who was Fianna Fail’s longest-serving elected representatives in the country, passed away in hospital yesterday after falling ill last week.
Aged in his 70s, he was first elected to Portlaoise Town Commission in 1967 and he celebrated 50 years as a public representative last year.
After his election to the Town Commission he was elected to the County Council at each of the seven subsequent local elections – in 1979, 1985, 1991, 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014.
He was also on the Fianna Fail ticket for four General Elections – including the three in an unprecedented 18-month spell in 1981-82. In addition he served as Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council and as Mayor of Portlaoise on different occasions.
As well as that he ran in the 1987 General Election when he polled 4,356 first preference votes, his highest tally of his four campaigns. On each occasion he was the fourth Fianna Fail candidate but played a key role in helping the party get three TDs elected to the Dail.
He was active on local council work as recently as last week, attending a full meeting of Laois County Council.
SEE ALSO – Tributes paid to late Jerry Lodge following sad passing
