Tributes were paid to the late Cllr Jerry Lodge by his colleagues earlier today as the monthly meeting of Laois County Council was adjourned to next week, as a mark of respect.
Leading the tributes, Cathaoirleach of the council Cllr Padraig Fleming said it was “a sad day for all of us”.
He noted that Cllr Lodge had been first elected in 1967 and won every local election he contested after that. He also served as cathaoirleach of the council from 1994 – 95.
He had a love for the Irish language and education, he said. He was also dedicated to the retention of services at the hospital in Portlaoise.
Portlaoise Tidy Towns was another organisation Cllr Lodge had worked tirelessly for, Cllr Fleming said, particularly along with the late Kathleen O’Brien.
“Anyone who ever met Jerry, whether it was councillors, council staff or the general public, they all held the same view… he was a true gentleman,” Cllr Fleming said.
Having been friends with Cllr Lodge since she was 16, Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald said he had always been very helpful to her.
“He was a very proud town and Laois man. He did all he could to promote Portlaoise and Laois,” she said.
“He was a great help to all people,” Cllr Willie Aird said.
The forthcoming council AGM would have marked their 38th year together on the council, Cllr Aird noted.
“Portlaoise was always at the heart of what he did, as was Laois,” Cllr Aird said.
Chief executive John Mulholland said there was a “real sense of personal loss and sadness at the time of his passing” amongst council staff .
“He will be remembered as a kind and gentleman, with a deep intellect,” he said.
“He had an intense passion for the town of Portlaoise… It is very sad that he was taken away at a time of hope. He will be a huge loss to this chamber,” Mr Mulholland said.
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