Offaly food poverty campaigner and former county councillor laid to rest

TRIBUTES have been paid to the former councillor and food poverty campaigner, Ken Smollen who was laid to rest on Monday morning.

Mr Smollen, an Independent member of Offaly County Council for the Tullamore Electoral Area up until last year, passed away on Friday afternoon last following a long illness.

His Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Assumption, Tullamore with burial afterwards to the Monastery Cemetery in Clara.

A retired Garda, the Tullamore native founded the Ken Smollen Food Appeal.

He also founded the Irish Democratic Party which championed participatory democracy by all citizens.

He was elected as an Independent member of Offaly County Council in 2019 and remained on the body until last year when ill-health forced his retirement.

He was replaced by his wife, Sandy who failed to retain the seat in last June's local elections.

Announcing his death on his Facebook page on Friday, his family posted: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we, Ken's family, have to tell you that Ken passed away peacefully just after 1pm today.

We wish to thank you all for your continuous support, thoughts and prayers."

In his sermon at the funeral Mass on Monday, chief celebrant. Fr. Damien Budau, told a large congregation the deceased was a man with a big heart and and a generous spirit.

Fr Budau said Mr Smollen learned the twin values of family and community from an early age growing up with four siblings.

The celebrant said Mr Smollen had displayed “courage and a commitment to justice” when he served as a member of the Gardai.

"In retirement he turned his attention to public service as a serving member of Offaly County Council and became a charity activist with the establishment of the Ken Smollen Food Appeal. His big heart and generous spirit was evident in every meal he provided, every smile he gave and every good deed he did,” said Fr. Budau.

Fr. Luke Ohiemi from Clara parish also jointly concelebrated the funeral Mass.

The deceased was “a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend to many” who never missed “a single hurling or football game” that his adored grandchildren took part in, and was a dedicated family man, the Mass was told.

“His children told me in recent days that he was not only a father to them, but also a guide and a mentor who encouraged them to be active members of the community,” said the celebrant.

Prayers were said for the doctors, nurses, chaplain and staff of the oncology ward and the Brosna ward in Tullamore Hospital.

His late parents and parents-in-law were also remembered in the prayers, as were his late daughters, Anne Marie and Kate, while prayers were also said for all those battling illness.

A huge number of tributes have been paid online to the deceased:

One reads: "We are absolutely devastated to hear of Ken's passing , he was such a good man and looked after so many people with his huge heart, he will be remembered fondly by us all , thanks for your services Ken and our condolences to Sandy and the family."

Another poster wrote: "Very sorry for your loss, he was a gentleman and such a great support to this town he will be sadly missed by many. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in Eternal Peace Ken."

Another post on Facebook described Mr Smollen as a "kind and very thoughtful gentleman who helped so many. Sincere condolences to you all, may his gentle soul rest in peace."

Others read: "He fought a hard battle and kept us on his journey til the end. He left a great legacy and was an inspiration to us all. Thank you for sharing him with us x."

"I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. I'm sending prayers of strength and love to all his family and friends. Rest in eternal peace Ken. What a true gentleman."

To his wife Sandy, daughters Keira and Leonie, his grandchildren Greg Jnr, Ross, Ben, Finn, Mia and Fay, Leonie's husband Greg, Keira's partner Séan, brother Dermot, sisters Karen, Valerie and Laura, sisters in law, brothers in law, nieces, nephews and a wide circle of family and friends the deepest sympathy is extended.

May he rest in peace.