Tributes paid to former county mayor Cllr Joe Carroll who has died following a short illness

THE death has taken place of Skibbereen-based Fianna Fáil Cllr Joe Carroll who passed away on Friday after a short illness.

The Dunmanway native and former County Mayor was a councillor in the Skibbereen - West Cork local electoral area for 22 years, having first been elected to Cork County Council in 2004.

He was a passionate public representative in West Cork who always fought for the region.

Just last year he was elected chair of the Western Division and said he would always be fair at meetings - but quipped that councillors would have to behave themselves.

He tirelessly campaigned for the region, pointing out that West Cork needed more national funding for roads, housing and infrastructure.

The highlight of his political career was his election as county mayor in June 2024.

He previously told The Southern Star that it was a memorable year for him and his wife Sheila.

He represented Cork county at numerous events both at home and abroad.

Never shy to engage in public debate at council meetings with other public representatives from different political affiliations, it always proved to lively but light-hearted when Joe was speaking or making his point.

Cork County Council issued a statement to say it is ‘deeply saddened by the passing of Cllr Joe Carroll’.

It said: ‘A passionate and dedicated advocate for West Cork, Cllr Carroll served his community with distinction over many years.

‘Prior to his political career, he worked as a bus driver with CIE and later as a publican. He was deeply committed to improving quality of life in West Cork and worked tirelessly to support tourism, improve infrastructure, champion local businesses, and create opportunities for young people.

‘Cllr Carroll represented Cork County Council on the Southern Regional Assembly from its establishment in 2014. He served as Cathaoirleach of the Assembly in 2019. He also served as Chair of the Western Committee, the Housing SPC and was a member of the Corporate Policy Group and Tourism SPC.’

Joe is survived by his wife Sheila, son Kieran and daughter Linda.

Joe will be reposing in Hurley & O’Sullivan’s Funeral Home in Skibbereen on Sunday, April 26th from 4pm to 7pm followed by Prayers.

Requiem Mass will take place on Monday, April 27th at 12 pm in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Skibbereen which will be livestreamed at ww.corklivestream.com/funerals. His funeral will take place afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Coronea, Skibbereen