‘The father’ of county council passes away
A requiem mass was held yesterday, Wednesday, for Cork County Councillor Noel Collins who passed away peacefully on Monday aged 86.
Following the mass at The Church of the Most Holy Rosary in Midleton, Cllr Collins was transferred at his instruction to UCC for medical research.
Ireland’s longest serving public representative, Cllr Collins was elected to Midleton Town Council in 1967.
After parting ways with Fine Gael in 1969, Cllr Collins engaged in each election as an Independent with support from a legion of friends united in admiration for his charitable, political and social work.
At the 2019 local elections, Cllr Collins received 2,267 first preference votes, securing a seat on the first count. He was so far ahead that it took 7 further counts before another candidate was deemed elected.
Affectionately referred to as “the father” of Cork County Council, Cllr Collins celebrated 50 years of unbroken service as a public representative at the 12 June 2017 sitting of the council at County Hall.
In a tribute to her former colleague, Cork County Mayor Cllr Gillian Coughlan described Cllr Collins as “the embodiment of advocacy” and said he will be forever remembered in Cork.
“Having given 55 years of service to his community in Midleton and East Cork, I think it is worth highlighting how Noel didn’t drive, didn’t use a phone and had no computer. But this never stopped him. Noel used a typewriter and written letter to communicate, and he did so to great effect, winning the hearts and minds of those he met,” she said. “Despite a raft of changes both here in Ireland and globally throughout his political career, Noel showed just how much could be accomplished with the written word, freedom of speech and commitment to public service.
“As Mayor of the County of Cork and on behalf of the elected members and staff of Cork County Council, I offer my deepest condolences and sympathies to Noel’s family, friends and to the people of East Cork who he so passionately represented.” Also paying tribute was fellow Cork County Councillor Liam Quade who tweeted: “Sad to hear Independent Cllr for East Cork Noel Collins has died after a long illness. Noel was a legendary character, first elected 55 years ago. He had a vocational passion for his role of public rep that earned him a devoted base of voters over the years. May he rest in peace.”
Cllr Collins was also remembered by Cork East Fine Gael TD Deputy David Stanton, who said Cllr Collins’ passing represents the end of an era for East Cork. Deputy Stanton said: “Noel had a unique way of engaging with his constituents. He did not use a mobile phone or computer and relied instead on letter writing and word of mouth to ensure that issues were raised and remedied.
“He would frequently be seen walking around Midleton meeting people and listening to their needs and concerns.
“Noel was an incredibly hard worker, he cared for the people he represented, and this has shone through in the longevity of his career as a local councillor. May he rest in peace,” said Deputy Stanton.