Funeral of former Offaly councillor to take place on Friday

A former longstanding farmers' representative and Offaly county councillor, Michael Fox, will be laid to rest after a funeral Mass this Friday in St Francis of Assisi and St Brigid's Church, Ballycommon.

Mr Fox died peacefully, at home, surrounded by his loving family, yesterday (Tuesday). He was aged in his early eighties.

He will be fondly remembered for his active involvement in local politics and for serving his county, his community, and the farming sector in a wide variety of roles over the years.

These included becoming chairperson of Offaly County Council, and serving as the national chairman of Macra na Feirme.

In addition, he was closely involved with the Tullamore Show and was a chairperson of its committee.

Mr Fox also chaired the Offaly Committee of Agriculture and Offaly LEADER for many years.

His role as an elected representative began in June 1979 when he was elected to the county council, as a Fine Gael candidate, on his first attempt.

He would go on to serve as a councillor for three decades, until 2009. He was also a candidate for the Dáil in general elections in 1982 and 1987.

His year as chairperson of Offaly County Council, from 1994 to 1995, coincided with the county's hurlers recording a dramatic and memorable win in the All Ireland final against Limerick.

Mr Fox was predeceased by his wife Maura (nee Elliott) and will be sadly missed by his long-time loving partner Nuala (Hourihane), his children Mairead (Clery) and her husband Colm, Ian and his wife Trish, Roisin and her partner David, Michelle and her partner Colin and Eamon and his wife Lee-Anne.

His passing is also mourned by his adoring grandchildren Michael, Cillian, Ellie, Michael, Sophie, Caoimhe, Con, Maurice, Ned and Anna, his sisters Rosemary and Margaret, brother Eamon, sisters-in-law, cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends.

His remains will be reposing at his son Ian's residence at Fairfield, Ballycommon (R35 K5X5) tomorrow (Thursday) from 3pm, with Rosary at 8pm.

Mr Fox's funeral mass will then be celebrated in St Francis of Assisi and St Brigid's Church, Ballycommon, on Friday at 12 noon with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

May he rest in peace.