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Irish Independent

‘Fitting tribute' to the late Kerry TD as local bridge dedicated to Jackie Healy-Rae

On a Thursday evening the family of the renowned politician gathered with many from the local community and their supports to dedicate the local bridge to the Kerry TD. Fittingly, the honour of unveiling the specially inscribed memorial this week fell to Jackie Healy-Rae's granddaughter, Maura, who was officiating at one of her last engagements as Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District Council. It was she that first suggested the bridge dedication and the proposal received unanimous backing from her Killarney Municipal District Council colleagues. It was a project very close to his heart during his high-profile political life and now his name will be forever associated with it. The landmark Barraduff Bridge – on the busy road from Killarney to Mallow – has now been officially dedicated to the memory of colourful Kerry TD Jackie Healy-Rae who campaigned long and hard for a new structure to be built there. The long-awaited replacement bridge, located at what had been a notorious accident blackspot, was close to the top of the no-nonsense Independent TD's famous €100 million deal, agreed with the then Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, in return for his support after the 2007 general election. It is understood that the Kilgarvan politician had initially sought €4 million for a new super bridge but Healy-Rae later agreed to the existing bridge being widened and the road realigned at a considerably reduced cost of €1.5 million. The new structure, which crosses over the Owneycree River and was unveiled in 2011, now has a plaque dedicated to the politician with the trademark tartan peaked cap and it has been described as a fitting tribute shortly after the 10th anniversary of his passing last December. 'This plaque and the dedication of this bridge serves to recognise Jackie's contribution as an elected public representative over a period of time that spanned 40 years,' Cllr Healy-Rae said. She explained that she chose the Barraduff bridge as tribute to her grandfather as it was one of the bases that helped his election wins. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more "Many might wonder why I chose this location and many more may not be surprised at all. Back in 1973, a veteran councillor for the Killarney area, Michael Doherty, died unexpectedly and there came Jackie's 'big break' so to speak into the political arena. He contested the convention and won narrowly to ensure his co-option onto Kerry County Council. The late Michael Doherty hailed from Lisnagrave, Headford, a short distance from here. Taking over the mantle from an East-Kerry man, it is no exaggeration to say that this area became the beating heart of Jackie's support base that ensured his success in many subsequent elections, both local and general,' she explained in her speech. She recalled her grandfather as being straight talking, charismatic, witty, colourful, shrewd and serious when the situation demanded but, above all else, he had an ability to connect with people, his constituents trusted him, and he treated their concerns or problems as his own. 'It is very difficult to encapsulate his political career and the contribution he made to this area, and indeed the county, but I guess the greatest compliment that can be paid to Jackie is that when he achieved the unimaginable in getting elected to Dáil Éireann in 1997, he never forgot the people that put him there. 'He demanded and ensured funding was provided for key pieces of infrastructure in Kerry which he believed had been neglected – this bridge being an example of such,' Cllr Healy-Rae added. She said many criticised Jackie for the famous list of projects and schemes he presented in return for government support but when asked towards the end of his career if he would have done anything different in this respect, Jackie replied: 'No, I'd do a hell of a lot more of the same'. 'That was a key attribute of his – he meant what he said and said what he meant. It didn't matter to him what the media or his political opponents said if he felt he was doing right by his constituents.' The Healy-Rae family and supporters were out in force for the unveiling with Minister of State Michael and Deputy Danny both celebrating their father's great legacy. Also in attendance were outgoing Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald, Killarney Municipal District Manager Angela McAllen and Killarney Municipal District Engineer John Ahern.