Ferrybank politician Melissa O'Neill dies aged 54

The death has occurred of Melissa O’Neill at the age of 54 years.

From 2014 to 2019, she served as a Sinn Féin councillor and later as an Independent in the Piltown Municipal District.

She subsequently represented the Irish Freedom Party.

Throughout her political career, she ran for both local and general elections in Carlow/Kilkenny, Wexford and most recently Waterford.

From Abbeylands, Ferrybank, and Bruff, Co. Limerick, condolences have been expressed via Rip.ie from various political figures, including Limerick TD Niall Collins, former Councillor and Mayor of Limerick Gerald Mitchell and Monaghan’s Councillor Seamus Treanor.

Ms O'Neill passed away on Monday, September 15, peacefully, in the tender care of her loving family and all the staff at the South East Palliative Care Centre, Oak Ward, University Hospital Waterford.

She is predeceased by her parents Paddy and Mary.

Melissa will be sadly missed by her son Shane, daughter Chloe, grandson Leo, Shane's Dad Michael, brothers Richard and Pat, sisters Yvonne, Shirley, Maria, Sandra and Fiona, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Melissa's remains were reposing in Powers Funeral Home, Ferrybank, on Wednesday, September 17.

Melissa's removal took place on Thursday, September 18, and walked from her home to The Sacred Heart Church, Ferrybank, arriving for Requiem Mass at 10am.

After the mass Melissa was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.