'He will be a massive loss': Tributes paid following death of Midleton's Billy Buckley 

Tributes have been pouring in following the passing of Midleton’s Billy Buckley.

Former foreman of Midleton Town Council, former chairman of Midleton UDC and former chairman of Midleton Tidy Towns, the unexpected passing of Billy Buckley has been met with deep sadness in the East Cork town.

Known best for his dedication to the community, Mr Buckley shared a deep pride for his hometown of Midleton and spent decades serving the people of the town in his many roles.

Billy’s nephew and East Cork Sinn Féin TD Pat Buckley shared fond memories of his uncle:

“I remember when he was in the Midleton Council, he would be down the Main Street at half six in the morning painting poles. He just loved giving back to the community,” the Midelton based TD told The Echo.

“He will be a massive loss to the town. He was a great man for the community, he was a cracker.” 

The sad passing of the former Midleton Town Council foreman comes shortly after his retirement, with his nephew saying:

“He’s not long retired. Of course, when you hit retirement age, you have to retire but he wanted to keep going. He couldn’t cope with not being busy.

“He was just amazing, and we will give him a good send off as we always do, he deserves it.” 

Tributes were also made by Mr Buckley’s former colleagues at Midleton Tidy Town committee who said they were "heartbroken" to hear the news. 

“Not only was Billy a former towns foreman, chairman of Midleton UDC and chairman of Midleton Tidy Towns, he was Midleton. 

“He lived for his home town, every day trying his hardest to improve it and making it a town to be proud to be from. 

“His knowledge was unbelievable, and any thing was never too much trouble.

“His help and dedication to Midleton Tidy Towns will be greatly missed but we appreciate everything that he has done to get us back on track in the competition and we will keep going in your memory."

Leader of Sinn Féin, Mary Lou McDonald wrote: “Offering my deepest sympathy to the Buckley family in Midleton and to his nephew Pat as this very difficult and sad time. He was a great community person.” 

Billy is survived by his wife Catherine and daughters Nicola and Laura.

He will be reposing at his home on the Youghal Road on Sunday, November 17. 

The Requiem Mass will take place at The Church of The Most Holy Rosary in Midleton on Monday, November 18.