Tributes following death of former local TD

Mr Leonard, from Stranagarvagh, Smithborough, served as a member of Oireachtas Eireann between 1973 until his retirement in 1997.

Taoiseach and Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil Micheál Martin led the tributes following news of the death of former Fianna Fáil TD, Senator and Councillor, Jimmy Leonard.

Mr Leonard, from Stranagarvagh, Smithborough, served as a member of Oireachtas Eireann between 1973 until his retirement in 1997.

For over 23 of this 24-year period, Mr Leonard served as TD, first elected in 1973 representing the Monaghan Constituency and from 1977 onwards, Cavan-Monaghan.

He briefly served as Senator in 1982, and was re-elected to Dáil Eireann later that year, continuing as TD until his retirement in 1997.

In addition, Mr Leonard was a member of Monaghan County Council, first elected in 1974 and serving as a councillor until 1999.

In later years, Mr Leonard served as President of the Fianna Fáil Comhairle Dáilceantair in Monaghan.

According to the published death notice, Mr Leonard passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving wife Tess and family, Wednesday, April 13.

Commenting on his death, An Taoiseach said: “I am very sorry to learn of the very sad passing today of Jimmy Leonard. Jimmy was a true community champion who has left a significant mark in both national and local politics. In his early career, he worked with Monaghan Co-op, and saw at first-hand how the co-operative movement was instrumental in improving people's lives and communities. Jimmy understood the importance of community development and even prior to his entry into politics he had made a significant impact on his county and its development. He understood farming and the challenges faced by farming families and always sought to improve their conditions. His early career influenced his later success as a national and local politician. As a public representative, Jimmy continued and deepened his commitment to community and national development. He faithfully represented his constituents and always advocated for them.”

The Taoiseach described Mr Leonard as “the essence of decency”.

“He was a warm and wise friend, who always advocated for his county and constituents, along with his country. He gave willingly of his time and advice and I always valued his insights. I was privileged to know him, and serve with him, in Dáil Eireann.

The Taoiseach added: “On my own behalf and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil Organisation, I want to express my deepest condolences to the Leonard family at this very difficult time: to his wife Tess, his daughter, former Senator Ann, and his other children Joe, Raymond, Ciaran and Colette, along with his grandchildren and extended family and friends in Monaghan and beyond at this difficult and sad time.”

Cavan-Monaghan TD and former Cavan Councillor Niamh Smyth also paid tribute to the late Mr Leonard.

She described him as a “true stalwart and community man”, noting that his career “speaks for itself”.

“He is someone I will always admire for his work and championing of local projects for his community. Jimmy has left a significant mark in both national and local politics.”

She stated that when Mr Leonard retired from politics in 1997 his departure left “a huge void” in the political sphere. “Championing for his community was engrained in who he was as a person. This was evident from his early career, when he worked with Monaghan Co-op, and saw at first-hand how the co-operative movement was instrumental in improving people's lives and rural Ireland. He was very clued into farming matters and knew the issues facing people in their day to day lives”

Predeceased by his sister Alice Aughey and brothers Paddy and Tom, Mr Leonard is survived by wife Tess and children Raymond (Patricia), Joe (Ann), Colette (Des Henry, Kildare), Ann (Ted Ryan, Kildare), Ciarán (Joanne). Mr Leonard will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, Ellen, Ciara, James, Sarah, Thomas, Conor, Clodagh, Donal, Ellie, John, Leonard, Kitty, Maisie, Thady, Aoibhínn, Meábh and Iarlaith, sisters Eileen (O'Boyle, New Jersey, USA) and Mary (Leonard, Dublin), sisters-in-law Una, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours, friends and by “all who knew and loved Jimmy”.