Fórsa’s civil service division has paid tribute to Peter Kennedy, a long-time activist and member of the Civil Service No.1 branch executive, who died tragically earlier this month.

A proud son of Newbridge, county Kildare, Peter worked with the probation service for more than 20 years, and was a committed and skilled union activist throughout his working life.

He was respected locally as a community activist and stalwart of Newbridge Tidy Towns, and local people lined the streets for his funeral earlier this month. Peter died in Beaumont Hospital in April after being transferred from Naas General Hospital following an incident at his home in late April.

Tom Madden, branch chair and friend to Peter remembers him fondly. “Peter was one of a generation who cared, and who found his own way of helping people.

“For those who didn’t know him well, Peter’s laid-back approach might lull them into thinking he was anything but razor sharp. But he worked with many ‘difficult’ characters and personalities in his role as a community service supervisor over the years, and to be as respected and liked as he was bore true affection,” he said.

“To say Peter was proud of his town would be a gross understatement. There aren’t many who took as much pride in Kildare as he did,” said Tom.

Describing Peter as an “avid union activist,” Tom said he embraced his branch role with great pride and vigour. “Peter’s untimely death, just as his retirement loomed, came as a devastating blow to all of us who knew him. We will miss him sorely,” he said.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.