A former Fine Gael TD for Tipperary North, Mr David Molony, died suddenly yesterday. He was aged 52.
A leading solicitor with a substantial practice in Thurles, Mr Molony was first elected to the Dáil in 1981, having comfortably secured the Fine Gael nomination after a two-way contest with Mr Michael Lowry.
He held his seat in subsequent elections but did not seek re-election in 1987. In this year's general election he acted as director of elections for the Fine Gael candidate in Tipperary North, Senator Noel Coonan. Prior to entering the Dáil, Mr Molony was elected on the cultural and educational panel to the Seanad in 1977.
He was a former chairman of the Free Legal Advice Centres, and former chairman of Tipperary North Riding County Council. He attended UCD and was a member of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland.
The Fine Gael leader, Mr Enda Kenny, said he was shocked and saddened at the untimely death of his long-time friend and colleague.
Mr Molony is survived by his wife, Eve, and sons Patrick and Conor.