Tributes to former Tipp TD
Tributes were paid to a former member of South Tipprary County Council who died earlier this week.
Caroline Acheson (née Barlow), from Clonmel, was born on September 1934. She was a former Fianna Fáil politician and was educated at the Presentation Convent, Clonmel, the Convent of Mercy, Carlow and the London School of Business Studies. Carrie worked as a company director in the family business before becoming involved in politics.
She was elected to South Tipperary County Council in 1974. She was elected to Dáil Éireann for the Tipperary South constituency at the 1981 general election, but lost her seat at the following February 1982 election. She is a sister of former Senator Tras Honan.
Glowing tributes were paid to her by councillors. She was described as “The Queen of Clonmel”.
“There will never be anybody quite like her,” said Cllr Siobhan Ambrose, who added that Carrie had a profound impact on social and political life in Clonmel and throughout South Tipperary.
Many people will remember her as the public announcer for many years at the National Ploughing Championships.
Meanwhile the Tánaiste and Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil, Micheál Martin TD said he was very saddened to learn of the death of the former party councillor.
“Carrie was steeped in republican heritage and her father, Matt Barlow, fought in the War of Independence.
“She was an able and determined public representative, a true community activist, always caring for, and advocating on behalf of, her constituents. A former Mayor of Clonmel, Carrie had many interests, she was actively involved on the committee of Clonmel Show, serving as its president, and at the National Ploughing Championships, where she looked after the public address for over 30 years.”
Mr Martin said she continued to play an active role in her community after her retirement from public life and she had an infectious and warm personality.
“On my own behalf, and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil organisation, I offer my deepest sympathy to Carrie’s family, her son Brian, sister former senator Trás Honan, brother Aidan and the wider Acheson family,” said Mr Martin.