Death of food poverty activist and former councillor Ken Smollen

The death has been announced of charity campaigner and former Offaly councillor Ken Smollen.

In a post on Facebook this afternoon (Friday), his family said: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we, Ken's family, have to tell you that Ken passed away peacefully just after 1pm today.

"We wish to thank you all for your continuous support, thoughts and prayers."

The Mr Smollen was widely known across the Midlands as a campaigner against food poverty through his work with the Ken Smollen Food Appeal charity,

He was also elected to Offaly County Council in 2019, before stepping down in September 2023 due to ill health.

At the time, he announced he had been diagnosed diagnosis with lung cancer in May 2023.

He was replaced on the council by his wife, Sandy Feehan-Smollen, who was not returned to the council in the recent local elections.

Funeral arrangements later. May he rest in peace.