THE legend that was Jackie Healy-Rae is no more.
The iconic political master, the figurehead of one of the most successful and influential families in the country, passed away this afternoon at Kerry General Hospital at the age of 83.
He had been ill for several months and his family had maintained a constant vigil at his bedside.
The former South Kerry Independent TD, who dedicated his entire political life to improving services and facilities in his native county, was a larger than life personality who became one of the most famous and dynamic politicians of his and any generation.
Born in his beloved Kilgarvan in March 1931, he served on Kerry County Council as a Fianna Fail representative for many years before he severed his ties with the party to successfully contest the 1997 general election.
As director of elections, he had masterminded a number of successful general and local election campaign for the party but he was upset when he wasn’t selected to run for the Dáil and he embarked on a solo career.
The eldest of six children born to Daniel and Mary Healy, he grew up on the family farm in Reacaisleach and attended the local national school before he emigrated to the United States in 1953.
On his return he established quite a reputation as a skilful hurler and won two county titles with Kilgarvan in the 1950s.
An accomplished musician and an ace saxophone player who made tartan caps fashionable, he opened his own pub in his native village which became his headquarters as he set about achieving his goal of becoming one of the most powerful politicians in the country, building on a foundation of his first election to Kerry County Council in 1974.
He also carved out a good career as an agricultural contractor and farmer but despite the demands on his time, he never lost the common touch and he always looked after the grassroots, helping constituents in any way he could.
When elected to the Dáil, he brokered a famous deal with then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, the terms of which enable him to deliver great prosperity and enhanced services to his native county.
Jackie retired from politics in 2008 but his sons Michael and Danny and his grandson Johnny, continue the great Healy-Rae political dynasty.
Such was the high regard in which he was held locally, nationally and internationally, his funeral, without question, will be the biggest Kerry has ever witnessed.
