RIP: Former Mayor of Kildare and Fine Gael Cllr remembered by Senator

A Senator for Kildare South has paid tribute to a former Mayor of Kildare who suddenly passed away.

Michéal 'Spike' Nolan resided in Newbridge and previously served as a Fine Gael councillor.

He also once represented the county as its Mayor.

Commenting on the suddent passing of the late Mr Nolan, Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin said on her official Facebook page: "We were all devastated yesterday when news broke of the sudden and untimely death of 'young Spike' Micheál Nolan.

"Micheál was great friend and colleague on Newbridge Town Council and Kildare County Council, following in the footsteps of his own Dad, as I did mine.

"He was the epitome of decency: kind, thoughtful, caring and a wonderful family man, both to his beloved Deirdre, Rebecca, Tadhg and Jack and his loving Mam Ursula."

File photograph showing the late Micheál 'Spike' Nolan.

"Though retired from politics, Micheál retained a very keen interest in all things political, and cared deeply about his hometown of Newbridge, and of course, the Sash.

"Our last conversation was last Saturday week when we chatted about his job with Dublin Bus, upcoming elections and his great pride in his children. We left one another with a smile saying 'chat soon' — sadly, not to be.

"Very deepest sympathy to Deirdre, Rebecca, Tadhg, Jack, Ursula, Kevin, Brian, extended family and friends.

"We will all miss his friendship, smiles and hugs."

"Goodbye friend, rest easy, many good memories, hard times ahead."

Senator O'Loughlin concluded her tribute with the following saying: "And one by one the lights go out / And one by one we slip away."