Today on Morning Focus we paid tribute to Shannon-based Sinn Féin Councillor, Mike McKee after his passing last Friday following a long-illness.
Gavin was joined on the line by Sinn Féin President, Mary Lou McDonald, Donna McGettigan of Clare Sinn Féin and Shannon Independent Councillor Gerry Flynn to pay tribute to Councillor McKee.
A native of Belfast, Mike McKee first arrived in Clare in the 1970s. He first forays into local politics in 1985, when he secured a seat on Shannon Town Council for Sinn Féin, serving until 2009. He later returned to politics in the 2014 local elections, securing Sinn Féin a first seat on the county council since 1974, and despite being too unwell to campaign in this year’s election, was re-elected at his ease. Mike was named by Sinn Féin as a candidate in the next general election but a month ago, pulled out for health reasons.
He was an active local representative right until the end, most recently appearing at the opening of the Shannon Town Park just ten days ago. Already, calls are being made on social media for the park to be renamed in his honour. Mike passed away at University Hospital Limerick on Friday, leaving behind his devastated wife Eileen, son David and daughter Jeanette, as well as two grandchildren.
May he rest in peace.
If you missed our tribute to Councillor McKee, you can listen back below:
