‘Fearless’ former TD to be laid to rest

Former Cork County Councillor and Fine Gael TD Frank Crowley will be laid to rest today, Thursday.

His funeral mass will begin at 11am at St Joseph's Church in Lyre followed by his burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Mr Crowley died peacefully on Tuesday at the Bon Secours Hospital in Cork. He was 83. Known for his honesty, integrity and dedication, Mr Crowley was elected to Dáil Éireann in 1981, serving as a TD for Cork North-West for 16 years.

Paying tribute to his former colleague, Fine Gael TD for Cork North-West, Michael Creed, described Mr Crowley as a “fearless advocate for his constituents” who left no stone unturned in his efforts to serve them.

“It was with great sadness that I learned today of the passing of my former Dáil colleague, fellow Fine Gael member and friend Frank Crowley,” said Deputy Creed. He continued: “I had the privilege of working with Frank when we were both Fine Gael TDs for Cork North West. His work ethic was extraordinary.

“At home in his beloved North Cork, he built a reputation for excellence in his approach to public representation in the Kanturk Electoral Area.

“For Frank, it was all about doing the work and helping people. That is what he did, and he did it consistently well. For that reason, he was always held in high regard by people of all political persuasions.

“I offer my sincere sympathy to his wife Wynne and their family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”

Also paying tribute was Tánaiste Leo Varadkar who praised Mr Crowley for helping Fine Gael win 2 seats for the party in the fiercely contested 3 seat constituency for 6 general elections.

“Like his father Pat before him, Frank was also a member of Cork County Council from 1974 to 2004. He served as cathaoirleach in 1987 and 1988. He played a major part in ensuring development and infrastructural projects for his constituency and a leading role in providing including flood relief works for Kanturk town.”