The death has occurred of former South Kerry TD Jackie Healy Rae. He was 83.
Mr Healy-Rae, who had been ill for some time, passed away just after 1.30 this afternoon at Kerry General Hospital. One of Ireland's most colourful politicians, he retired prior to the 2011 General Election when his son Michael took his seat.
As a young man, Healy-Rae played both hurling and football for his beloved Kilgarvan. He won two Kerry SHC medals with the club in 1956 and '58, and was also an avid Kerry supporter.
He first entered politics in the 1960s as part of Fianna Fail. However, he broke away from the party prior to the 1997 General Election and was one of five Independent TDs who supported the Fianna Fail-PD coalition during that term.
Sympathy is extended to his family, relatives and friends.
Jackie Healy Rae was part of Kilgarvan team that won #Kerry SHC in 1958 #gaa #nostalgia pic.twitter.com/RuSzIpBGKq
- GAA Nostalgia (@gaanostalgia) November 6, 2014
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