Cllr Anthony Kelly during the Irish Council for Social Housing conference, Wexford. Pic: Jim Campbell

THERE HAS been an out-pouring of support for county councillor Anthony Kelly who is seriously ill in Wexford General Hospital.

The highly respected Sinn Fein local representative was admitted to hospital last Tuesday and was receiving treatment for a stroke when he suffered a major heart attack on Thursday night.

Following emergency medical treatment, Cllr Kelly was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit where he required ventilation.

On Saturday evening his condition improved significantly and his family broke the news that he was no longer on life support.

While he is stalwart of the Sinn Fein party and frequently a strong voice of opposition in the council chamber, politicians from every walk of life have come out in force to express their support and concern for Cllr Kelly.

Regarded as a hard-working and dedicated local representative, news of his sudden illness was met with wide-spread sadness.

His family Phyllis, Jodie, Daryl and Ian have remained by his bed-side throughout his hospital stay.

His daughter Jodie expressed her deep-seated appreciation for all of the messages of support from members of the public.

His family and friends commented that they are heartened by his remarkable strength in battling this illness and are hopeful that he is now on the road to recovery, although he faces a considerable hospital stay.

She described the messages of kindness as a source of strength during what has been a very worrying time for all of the family and indeed his colleagues in public life.

Cllr Kelly has been a local representative for over 15 years. He is credited with instigating active local campaigns across a multitude of areas.

The need for increased social housing provision and the establishment of a 24-hour acute mental health services are two key issues, which he has been particularly vocal on in recent times.

His party colleague and fellow county councillor Johnny Mythen noted that his illness had had a profound impact on his many life-long friends within the Sinn Fein, who hold Cllr Kelly in the highest regard.

Cllr Johnny Mythen was among a large contingent of local party members that had travelled to Dublin on Thursday to attend the launch of Sinn Féin’s National 1916 Commemorative Programme in the Mansion House.

When they received word that Cllr Kelly’s condition had worsened following a heart-attack, the group made a dash back to Wexford to the hospital.

Speaking to this newspaper Cllr Mythen said: “The Sinn Fein party across the county and indeed across the whole country are absolutely thrilled and delighted with the progress Anthony has made over the last couple of days. Anthony is a very strong willed, committed and resilient man and no doubt this was a major factor in his recovery.”

He continued: “Sinn Féin would like to join Anthony’s family in thanking all the people who have sent best wishes and messages of solidarity to Anthony. At present he is making a slow but progressive recovery. Anthony has a great, supportive and loving family and we are all looking forward to Anthony making a full recovery. The Sinn Féin party will be there to offer every help and support to Anthony and his family now and in the future.”

They would also like to thank all the staff of Wexford General Hospital for the excellent care he is receiving and also the staff of Wexford County Council for their concern and prayers over the last week.

In particular they wish to thank C.E.O. Tom Enright who contacted the family and offered use of the facilities at the local authority headquarters in Carricklawn for refreshments while they are staying at the hospital.

The family at this time have requested that some space and privacy be given to them in order to facilitate his recovery.