Updated at 7pm
TRIBUTES ARE BEING paid to Wexford councillor Fergie Kehoe, following his death overnight.
The Fianna Fáil representative was found dead at his home in the town this morning.
Well-known in the area as a businessman and restaurateur, he became a councillor in 2007 and was re-elected two years ago.
Locals have been paying tribute on social media while Tony Dempsey, his party colleague and Chairman of Wexford County Council, told TheJournal.ie the councillor’s loss would be “mourned by all” in the area.
“I’m thinking today of his wife Frances and his son Oisín and all of Fergie’s siblings – and his dad,” Councillor Dempsey said.
He had huge pride in his town. Deepest sympathies to all his loved ones.
Other councillors who spoke to this website also expressed their sadness and sympathy.
In a statement released this evening Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin also paid tribute to Councillor Kehoe, saying he was “very saddened” to learn of his death.
“Fergie was a man of outstanding integrity who had a strong sense of civic duty. He was a proud and highly respected Wexford man who always put the interests of his community first and continuously strived for its betterment.
“Fergie became a Councillor on Wexford County Council in 2007 and was re-elected in May 2014.
“He was born and reared in Wexford and was always a great champion for the town. He made a significant contribution to public life in Wexford and played an important role in the development of the town and county as a whole.
“Fergie served his community with pride and passion on Wexford County Council. He was well respected by people across all sides of the political divide and was always willing to co-operate with others to put the interests of Wexford first. His loss is an enormous loss for Wexford.
“I want to express my deepest condolences and those of all in Fianna Fáil to Fergie’s wife Frances, his son Oisín, his father John, family and his wider network of family and friends.”
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