Former Limerick Co Council cathaoirleach dies of motor neuron disease

Mary Harty diagnosed with the incurable disease in October 2012

Marty Harty  became only the third woman to be elected cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council in 2011. Photograph: Press 22
Marty Harty became only the third woman to be elected cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council in 2011. Photograph: Press 22

A former cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council Mary Harty has died.

Ms Harty, who was in her 50s, had been suffering from motor neurone disease.

She was diagnosed with the incurable disease in October 2012 while she was still cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council.

It had left her wheelchair bound and unable to speak. She died surrounded by family at her home in Nicker, Pallasgreen, Co Limerick, overnight.

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A former primary school teacher at Nicker National School, she was first elected as a Fine Gael councillor in 1999.

She retained her seat until she retired earlier this year due to her illness.

She became only the third woman to be elected cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council in 2011.

Last week up to 60 people took the Ice Bucket Challenge at her home to raise money for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Her funeral Mass will take place in Nicker Church tomorrow at 11.30am.

Ms Harty will repose at her home today from 4pm to 8pm.