'Great sadness' for re-elected Offaly councillor as mother-in-law dies after accident
John Clendennen and family in mourning after tragic road death
RE-elected Fine Gael councillor John Clendennen has posted a message on social media referring to the great sadness he feels because the victory has coincided with the death of his mother-in-law.
The Kinnitty-based publican and businessman said Theresa Clarke had died after a road accident.
The post says:
“It is a great honour that I will be officially re-elected to Offaly County Council later today. I’m both proud and humbled to receive such an endorsement with 1,558 first preference votes, and the many more preference votes throughout the count process. Thank you for your support and taking the time to get out and voting for me.
“I have worked tirelessly for communities acrosss the Birr Municipal District and I’m fully committed to continue working for Offaly. It would not be possible without the support of my family and my many supporters, that have helped me so much throughout the campaign.
“There were three objective set pre election and we are on course to achieve all three:
1. Consolidate the local Fine Gael Team.
2. Grow my personal vote.
3. Ensure my colleague Hugh Egan is elected to take a second seat.
“I want to acknowledge the work of all the staff at the Count Centre, as well as every candidate that had the courage to put their name on the ballot paper for the consideration of the broader public.
“Despite being re-elected, today is overshadowed by great sadness. As I fought the concluding days of the election campaign, my mother in law Theresa Clarke was fighting for her life up to Sunday afternoon, following a tragic road traffic accident on Tuesday evening.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”