A FORMER CATHAOIRLEACH of Limerick County Council has died of Motor Neurone Disease.
Mary Harty was a Fine Gael councillor for the Castleconnell area who became just the third woman to be elected first citizen of the county in 2011. She was diagnosed with the disease in 2012 while still Cathaoirleach.
The current Cathaoirleach, councillor Kevin Sheahan, said that Harty was a “warm and engaging person”.
“Sadly, we lost Mary far too young. It is so poignant that she lost her battle against Motor Neuron Disease this week when there’s a huge campaign underway raise awareness of this terrible disease.
Despite her illness, Mary still turned up to all Council meetings right to the very end. Fittingly the last historic meeting of the Castleconnell electoral area was held in Nicker in April to honour her for her huge contribution to local life.
“I would like to offer my sincere sympathies to her family on behalf of myself and the elected members, management and staff of Limerick City and County Council.
“We will hold a special Council meeting in the coming days to allow elected members to pay tribute to Mary. She is leaving behind a great legacy and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.”
The Limerick Leader reports that Harty had organised an ice bucket challenge in her home last week in order to raise funds for the disease.
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