Cllr Michael ‘Mr Macroom’ Creed laid to rest
The funeral has taken place of long-standing Cork County Councillor Michael Creed.
Heartfelt tributes, fond memories, and humorous anecdotes were all shared following the passing of the Fine Gael stalwart known fondly as “Mr Macroom”.
Cllr Creed was laid to rest on Tuesday at St Colman's Cemetery, Macroom.
He passed away on Sunday surrounded by family at MUH in Cork city. He was 68.
In a special meeting of Cork County Council in Macroom on Tuesday morning, councillors spoke fondly of their late colleague. It was the third such meeting organised by the council in short succession following the passing of Cllr Gerard Murphy in April 2024 and Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy in September 2025.
Cllr Creed was born in Carrigaphooca near Macroom. He was first co-opted to Cork County Council in 2007, topping the poll in both the 2009 and 2019 elections. He was known as a steadfast advocate for the Macroom Municipal District and for his passion for agriculture and rural Ireland.
He was one of the leading voices in the long-running campaign to complete the Macroom Bypass which fully opened in 2023.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley described Cllr Creed as a “voice to so many and a driving force for positive change”.
“Cllr Creed simply touched every aspect of the wider community in his municipal district and he will be forever Mr Macroom.
“He was an inspiration to every single one of us, and it was an absolute pleasure to have served with him for the last 10 years.”
Fine Gael county party leader, Cllr Michael Hegarty recalled his early encounters with Mr Creed.
He said: “I knew Michael long before he was elected to Cork County Council. We used to meet us at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis, and we'd normally make a good night on the Saturday night.
“His departure was quite rapid, and he will be sadly missed by his family, his nephews and nieces, and all that had the pleasure of being in his company.”
Fianna Fáil county party leader, Cllr Gearoid Murphy praised Cllr Creed’s diligence and devotion to his community, something he said was clearly reflected in the number of votes Mr Creed received in each election.
Cllr Murphy said: “Reading the tribute by the Tánaiste over the weekend, that was really reflected, that 17 years of service leaves a huge legacy of service to his community and the wider area.”
Speaking on behalf of independent elected members, Cllr Alan Coleman fondly described his late colleague as being “low profile, high work rate”.
He said: “When he was first elected, it was to the Macroom Bandon electoral area.
“So, I was in the same electoral area as him, and straight away from day one, you knew he was a councillor that had forensic knowledge of the local area here in Macroom.
“He always did what was right. He was never populist and never afraid to take a tough decision,” added Cllr Coleman.
On behalf of Independent Ireland, Cllr Ger Curley recalled his first day in County Hall as a councillor.
He said: “The first meeting I had in County Hall, I went down to the canteen and everyone was in their groups and I was on my own. Michael came over and he sat down beside me drinking his bowl of soup, which he seemed to love.
“He didn't know me from Adam and he came over welcomed me.
“He just seemed a lovely, nice man,” added Cllr Curley.
Cllr Ronan Sheehan, on behalf of the Labour Party, said: “When I came back into the council this time and I saw Michael with his file, you know the one that goes from his belly up to his chin, and he walking around. I saw it the first time and I said, ‘Jeez, that's a lot’.
Then I saw it again and again and I said to myself, if this is the benchmark now, I'm in a bit of trouble here.”