A former Clare TD and county councillor has been remembered as a larger than life character and shrewd representative who was devoted to his county.
Kilnamona native James Breen passed away last evening, at the age of 81.
Always the life of the party, James Breen provided one of the memorable moments of the 2016 General Election, bursting into song to celebrate Dr Michael Harty exceeding the quota.
When the going got tough, however, the Kilnamona native was never found wanting and kept fighting for the people of Clare after retiring from politics.
Prior to the 2019 election, he in no uncertain terms urged Clare’s Oireachtas members to put party loyalty aside to combat hospital overcrowding.
First elected to Clare County Council in 1985, James Breen was returned at every local election he contested thereafter.
In 2002 , he left Fianna Fáil to contest the general election as an Independent Candidate, topping the poll and taking a seat on the second count.
He returned to local politics in 2007, and in 2015, became the first Kilnamona man elected Mayor of Clare, and would remain on the council until his political retirement in 2019.
Former colleague, Councillor Pat Hayes says James was a larger than life character who was never afraid to stand up for what he believed in.
James Breen has also been remembered for his deep passion and promotion of Clare hurling, as well as devoting his time to issues across all corners of the county.
Councillor Pat Daly who served alongside him in Ennis for 15 years says he was a shrewd and determined individual who will be sadly missed.
James Breen’s funeral mass will take place at St Joseph’s Church Kilnamona on Sunday, before a cremation service.
He is survived by his wife Eileen, sons and daughter.
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