I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of my friend, fellow party member and long-serving councillor, Joe Carroll.
Joe was a councillor on Cork County Council, representing the West Cork Local Electoral Area (LEA). Born in Dunmanway, and living in Skibbereen for most of his life, Joe was first elected to Cork County Council in 2004. He had previously been elected to Skibbereen Town Council in 1999.
Joe was an institution in Cork politics, both in his home area of West Cork and beyond. He was gregarious and very hardworking. Always on the ground, Joe was a natural public representative.
He cared deeply and passionately about his community and the people he represented. He advocated tirelessly for them and worked to improve the lives of the communities and people he represented. Joe had a tremendous understanding of all issues that impacted on the people within his electoral area.
Right throughout his public life, Joe was a true champion for Skibbereen, supporting local business and enterprise.
In recent years, Joe was elected Mayor of Cork County Council, a position he served in with great ability and distinction.
Joe had a great appreciation of the importance of sport and the role it plays in all our lives. I have a very special memory of spending a joyous day with him in Skibbereen some years ago as we celebrated the achievements of our Olympian rowers. Joe represented his community with pride in congratulating these wonderful young men on their achievements.
On my own behalf, and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil organisation, I offer my deepest sympathy to Joe’s wife Sheila and his family.
RIP.