Tributes have been flowing in for former Letterkenny Town Mayor Tadhg Culbert who passed away earlier today.
Politicians and business people from across the county have been remembering the Tipperary man who man said was “more Donegal than many Donegal people.”
Senator Jimmy Harte, who served on Letterkenny Town Council with the late Mr Culbert, said he was saddened by his friend’s death.
“It is with sadness that I learned of the sad passing today of Tadhg Culbert.
I wish to pass on my sympathies to his wife Hilda and to Andrew and Lisa.
“I visited Tadhg recently in hospital in Dublin and he was looking forward to running for election next year. He was always enthusiastic and a hard working councillor. He will be missed by his family and the public who knew him as a councillor and a popular member of the An Post staff in Letterkenny.
“He was active in sporting circles and was a prominent member of Letterkenny Rovers.
“The Town Council has lost a valuable member and his family has lost a fine and well respected man. May he rest in peace,” said Senator Harte.
John Watson paid his respects to Cllr Culbert on behalf of the entire Chamber of Commerce in Letterkenny.
“It was with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Councillor Tadhg Culbert. Over the years Tadgh has been supportive of Letterkenny Chamber and the entire business community of Letterkenny.
“He was a pleasure to work with and always had the interests of Letterkenny at the forefront of his mind. He was passionate about his adopted home of Letterkenny and was such an integral part of Main Street always encouraging of the development in recent years.
“On a personal basis Tadgh always had time for people and was clearly a people person. His friendly smile and sunny nature were infectious and he always had a helpful word of encouragement.
“As a Councillor and during his time as Mayor he was committed to the town of Letterkenny and wanted to see it thrive. He will be sadly missed by Letterkenny Chamber . Our sympathies go out to his family at this sad time.”
Hotelier and former Letterkenny Town Councillor Terry McEniff said Tadgh brought a smile to anyone’s face he met.
“There is no question the town will be a poorer place for the loss of Tadgh.
“He always brought a smile to people’s face because he was always full of craic.
“He was a Tipperary man but he was so proud of his adopted home and county of Letterkenny and Donegal.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was taken form us all too early,” he said.
Senator Brian O Domhnaill said“Tadhg was a personable, affable and likable gentleman. While we all knew of his illness, I am greatly saddened today to learn of his passing. I will always remember him fondly.
“I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his wife Hilda and his children Andrew and Lisa. Ar dheis lámh dea gó raibh a anam uasal.”
Former Town Councillor PJ Blake said he will miss his close friend in so many ways.
“As well as being a fellow councillor I will always count Tadhg as a friend first and foremost.
“I don’t think we ever had a cross word and he always had the good of Letterkenny and Donegal at heart.
“He will be missed by myself and many, many other for a long time,” said Mr Blake.
Mayor of Letterkenny, Cllr Dessie Larkin, said Cllr Culbert was proud of being re-elected to Letterkenny Town Council and described himself as the “comeback kid.”
