Clendennen re-election overshadowed by tragic passing of mother-in-law

The re-election of Kinnity publican and Fine Gael Cllr, John Clendennen, earlier today has been overshadowed by the tragic passing of his mother-in-law following a road traffic accident.

In a poignant Facebook post, Cllr Clendennen, who was re-elected on the 6th count at the Offaly Count Centre in Mucklagh earlier today with 1,781 votes, said his re-election had been overshadowed by "great sadness" and confirmed that his mother--law, Theresa Clarke, had passed away yesterday afternoon (Sunday) following a road traffic accident on Tuesday last, June 4.

Cllr Clendennen said he had fought the concluding days of his re-election campaign while his mother-in-law was "fighting for her life" before she tragically passed away yesterday afternoon.

He thanked his family and his many supporters who had helped him throughout his campaign, and he also acknowledged the work of the staff at the Count Centre, as well as all the candidates who “had the courage” to put their name on the ballot paper.

Cllr Clendennen was elected with a first preference vote of 1,558 votes, and said he was both “proud and humbled” to have received such an endorsement.

The Kinnity Cllr was in attendance at the Count Centre yesterday evening, along with many members, but was not present when he was officially re-elected earlier today.