TRIBUTES have poured in following the sudden death of former County Councillor, Letterkenny man Dessie Larkin.
Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin has extended his sympathies to the family.
Deputy Martin said: “I would like to extend my sympathies and those of the entire Fianna Fáil Party to the family and friends of Dessie Larkin on his untimely passing. This is an extremely difficult time for Dessie’s family and our thoughts are with them.
“Dessie was a proud Donegal and Letterkenny man. He served on Letterkenny Town Council and on Donegal County Council and he also held the positions of Mayor and Cathaoirleach.
“Dessie was the quintessential community activist and supported all efforts to improve and enhance the town and county. He enjoyed his life of public service and worked very hard for those he represented. I want to extend my condolences to Dessie’s wife Mary, their family and all of his friends. I know the community in Letterkenny will be feeling his loss.”
Education Minister Joe McHugh also paid his respects following the death.
Speaking from Beijing, Minister McHugh said: “I was shocked to hear the news and I know how devastating this must be for Mary and Danielle, Courtney, James and Matthew and extended family.
“We both entered the Donegal County Council chamber 20 years ago on the 11th of June 1999. Dessie’s passion for his native Letterkenny and county was always top of his political agenda. And he was always a big advocate in promoting the arts, heritage and language of Donegal.
“I always valued and admired Dessie’s company, good banter and positivity. But most of all I valued his friendship. And during those times he always talked about his family and how much they all meant to him.”
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Seamus O Domhnaill, conveyed his deepest sympathies to the family and friends on behalf of Donegal County Council.
“Dessie was a great member, diligent and articulate. He was a proud Letterkenny man but a great Donegal man. He was both Mayor of Letterkenny and of Donegal and we as a county will be the poorer for not having Dessie with us.”
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