Tributes paid on the death of former 'unstinting' Laois county councillor

Tributes have been paid following the death of a Laios County Council's Cathaoirleach Tom Mulhall.

The former Fine Gael county councillor passed away earlier today.  

From Cappakeel, Mr Mulhall was married to Bridget and has two children, Niall and Una. 

Mr Mulhall, a farmer, was first elected to Laois County Council in 2009 to the old Luggacurren Emo electoral area. He retained his seat in 2014 and 2019 in the new Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District.

He served as the council's Cathaoirleach from 2016-17. He was also chair of the electoral area and municipal district and also was chair of the Laois Joint Policing Committee.

He was forced to step away from the Council in January 2021 after suffering a stroke in August 2020. He would subsequently be replaced by Cllr PJ Kelly who was co-opted onto the council in April 2021.

Laois Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan paid tribute to Mr Mulhall's work as a public representative in local government.

"I was very saddened to learn of the death of my friend and colleague Tom Mulhall. I have known Tom all my life and worked with him when he was a farmer's leader in the IFA and thereafter as an active member of Laois County Council.

"I saw first hand for many years, the diligence, care, and attention that Tom applied to his work on a daily basis. He was one of the most active and committed members of Laois County Council ever. No job was too small and no task was an inconvenience for Tom.

"He looked after his constituents in the Emo and wider electoral area with careful dedication and unstinting attention. He will be sadly missed," he said.

Dep Flanagan concluded by extending his sincere sympathy to Bridget, Niall and Una and the wider Mulhall family.

Cllr Paschal McEvoy is the current Council Cathaoirleach and also was a Municipal District colleague of Mr Mulhall. He said he was saddened to learn of his former colleague's passing.

"We are all saddened and shocked. He was such a good man, hard worker and dedicated councillor - probably one of the best councillors in the county for a long number of years. 

"He worked tirelessly for his constituents of all parties and none. He didn't care who you supported he just wanted to help people - that was his motto in life.

"While I had many a battle with him, I always respected him highly and we were the best of friends in the end. He will be sadly missed," he said.

Cllr McEvoy extended his condolences to the deceased's wife and family.

Mr Mulhall died peacefully at home Peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family earlier today, Tuesday, March 19, 2024. He is predeceased by his parents Úna and Joe and brother-in-law Jim. Deeply loved and cared for by his loving wife Bridget. Beloved father of Úna and Niall, father-in-law of Gavin, grandfather of Alison and Daniel. Sadly missed by his loving sister Ann, brother Eamon and his wife Breda, nieces Maria and Catherine, nephews James, Eoin and John, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, neighbours, colleagues and his many loyal friends. 

Mr Mulhall will repose at Maher's Chapel of Rest, Portarlington (eircode R32 X5XV) on Wednesday evening from 5pm with Rosary at 8pm.

Removal from his residence on Thursday morning at 11.10am arriving at St Paul's Church, Emo (eircode R32 RY16) for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Funeral afterwards to the New Cemetery, Emo. House private to family and close friends, please.

Tom's Requiem Mass will be streamed live on

https://laoisfuneralslive.com/johnmaherfuneraldirector