Friends and colleagues of Tipperary Councillor Willie Kennedy say they are shocked and devastated by his sudden death in a road accident. 

Councillor Kennedy, from Glastrigan in Borrisoleigh, died after he was knocked down by a car in Portlaoise around 8.30pm last night.

He was hit on the N80 Carlow Portlaoise road at Dysart.

He was treated at the scene and rushed by paramedics to Portlaoise General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Mr Kennedy was first elected to the local authority in 1985, and was the current leas Cathaoirleach of Templemore-Thurles Municipal District.

The 64-year-old is survived by his wife and three children.

Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, Fianna Fáil's Seamus Hanafin, told Tipp FM there is a massive sense of disbelief at the news.

The driver of the car - a man aged in his 50s - did not suffer any injuries in the crash.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact gardaí.