President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to former Senator and Freeman of Galway Billy Lawless.
The Bushypark native passed away in Chicago yesterday at the age of 73.
In his statement, President Michael D Higgins extended his sympathy to Billy's wife Anne and all his family.
The President also paid tribute to Billy's "deep commitment to his community in Galway and later in his adopted home of Chicago where he has left a real and lasting legacy."
He also noted Billy was a firm fixture in the Irish community in Chicago - where "his tireless efforts on behalf of the undocumented Irish were widely acknowledged."
President Higgins also mentions how Billy was awarded a Freeman of Galway in 2015 for building the relationship between the two cities.
He recalls rewarding him with a Presidential Distinguished Service Award for Irish Community Support in 2021.
He concluded his statement by saying Billy would be "greatly missed" and that he hoped the "deep affection" in which he was held across the US and in Galway will be a consolation to his family.
Mayor of Galway Peter Keane has also requested that next Monday's City Council Meeting be dedicated to a tribute for Billy Lawless - with all other agenda items to be moved to another date.
