The late Jackie Healy-Rae – Funeral Arrangements and Tributes

The death has occurred of Jackie Healy-Rae, former T.D. and M.C.C., after a long illness, bravely borne, under the excellent care of Kerry General Hospital and Killarney Community Hospital. Beloved partner of Kathleen Cahill, her daughter Antoinette and granddaughter Katie, brother of the late Dan, his late stepbrother Paddy and his late stepsisters Molly, Nora and Sheila.

Very deeply regretted by his sons: Danny, John, Denis and Michael, daughters Joan and Rosemary and their mother Julie, brothers: Denny and Mick, sisters: Hannie and Cathy, stepbrother Timmy and stepsister Peggy in England, his many beloved grandchildren, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law and a wide circle of friends and supporters.

Reposing at Healy-Rae’s Bar, Main Street, Kilgarvan on Saturday, December 6, for Rosary 6pm-9pm. Sunday, December 7, from 4pm-8pm, followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church, Kilgarvan. Funeral Mass on Monday, December 8, at 12 noon.

Meanwhile, tributes have been paid by political colleagues and opponents who have put aside any differences they may have had in this really tough time for the close-knit family unit.

Cllr. Bobby O'Connell. ©Photograph: John Reidy — Cllr. Bobby O’Connell. ©Photograph: John Reidy

In his tribute, Castleisland based Cllr. Bobby O’Connell wrote:

“I was saddened to hear of the passing of an old friend and colleague, Jackie Healy Rae. I served on the Council and on the Southern Health Board with Jackie for 12 years, from 1991 to 2003. He was at all times a very likeable and pleasant man and a good colleague to work with. I have also served on the Council with his sons Michael and Danny and his grandson, Johnny. I would like to extend my sympathies to them and his extended family and friends – of which there are many.”

Senator Marie Moloney pays her tribute to the late Jackie Healy Rae

I wish to express my sincere sympathies to the Healy-Rae family following the news of Jackie’s passing. I knew Jackie on a personal level and in my dealings with him I always found him to be friendly and courteous. Jackie was a respected icon of Irish politics and enjoyed a long history of public service to the people of Kerry.

His commitment and dedication to our local community will never be forgotten and I have no doubt his passion for Kerry will live on through his family, several of whom have proudly followed in Jackie’s footsteps.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Healy-Rae family at this time.

Martin Ferris, TD. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Sadness at death of Jackie Healy Rae – Ferris

On hearing the news of the death of former TD Jackie Healy Rae, Sinn Féin TD for North Kerry Martin Ferris expressed sympathy to his family and many friends in the county.

Deputy Ferris said:

“I am sad to hear of the death of Jackie Healy Rae. He was a staunch representative of South Kerry and I send my sympathies at his death to his family and friends in the county and all over Ireland.

“The Healy Rae political dynasty, with the election of his grandson to council, spans three generations.

“He will be sadly missed in the political and social life of the area where he served for decades. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”