Taoiseach and Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil Micheál Martin TD expresses his deep condolences on the passing of former Fianna Fáil TD, Bobby Aylward

Taoiseach and Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil Micheál Martin TD has said he is deeply saddened to learn of the sad passing of his former colleague and good friend, Bobby Aylward. 


Bobby was a lifelong member of Fianna Fáil and a proud member of the Aylward family, a family that has given so much to the people of Kilkenny and Ireland over many decades.


Bobby continued that proud tradition of service with great distinction. Bobby served as a county councillor on Kilkenny County Council, first elected in 1992 and was re-elected at every local election thereafter. 


He remained on the council until his election to Dáil Eireann in 2007, representing Carlow Kilkenny. He remained a TD until 2011 and was re-elected to Dáil Eireann in the byelection in 2015, later re-elected in the general election of 2016. 


While a member of Kilkenny County Council, Bobby served as chairperson of the council in 2003-2004. 


Commenting on his passing, Taoiseach and Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil Micheál Martin TD said, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of my very good friend Bobby Aylward. Bobby was a deeply committed public representative. 


"He was a proud Mullinavat man, rooted in his community, and personified the legendary spirit of his club, Ballyhale Shamrocks. This great sense of place gave Bobby a wonderful authenticity and made him the man he was. 


"On the council, and later as a national politician in Dáil Eireann, Bobby displayed an unending commitment to, and passion for, his constituents. 


"He was tireless in his efforts to improve their lives and was continually advocating for them. Bobby continued the strong Aylward tradition of hard work, delivery and representation for his constituents and gave a tremendous amount to the people of Carlow Kilkenny over the years. 


"He had a special bond with his constituents, tirelessly representing and campaigning for them. 


“I warmly remember campaigning with Bobby during the 2015 byelection campaign. I particularly remember his infectious energy and enthusiasm, and the warmth in which he was held by the people of Carlow Kilkenny and his tireless campaigning for them during the campaign, and thereafter. 


"I got to know Bobby particularly well during those busy weeks and saw a man who displayed the best attributes that a public representative should possess: passion, sincerity, empathy, a commitment to his people and his place, a man of great honesty and integrity along with being a tireless campaigner and champion on behalf of his people and his place. 


"Bobby loved his people and they clearly loved him. He loved his county, his country and his Party and left his mark on each. Bobby was passionate about agriculture and community and rural development. 


“Bobby was a proud and valued member of Fianna Fáil and our party was stronger for having him as one of our representatives. He was a wonderful campaigner and organiser. I remember his energetic contributions at parliamentary party meetings. 


"Today, as we mourn the loss of a valued party member and friend, on my own behalf and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil organisation, I want to express my deepest sympathies to Bobby’s wife Helena, his children Bob, Mark and Triona, his brothers Liam, Eddie, Pat, Maurice, Seán, sisters Claire, Margaret and Kathleen, his grandchildren and to all his extended family, friends and community in South Kilkenny and beyond at this difficult and sad time.”