Former Clare TD and long-serving Councillor James Breen has passed away, aged 81.  

The Kilnamona native retired from politics 7 years ago following 34 years in politics.

  

First elected to Clare County Council in 1985, James Breen left the Fianna Fáil party and ran as an Independent candidate in the 2002 General Election, in which he topped the poll.  

After he lost his Dáil seat in 2007, he was re-elected to the Council in 2009, and in 2015, he became the first person from Kilnamona to be elected as Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council. He stepped down from politics in May 2019.  

James Breen is survived by his wife Eileen, sons and daughter. 

To reflect on his life, career and legacy, Alan Morrissey was joined by Pat Daly, Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor, and Pat Hayes, Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor.

Photo (c) Pat Flynn