Cork mourns lifelong advocate for young people

Cork is mourning the loss of Don O’Leary, a former Cork city councillor and long-time director of the Cork Life Centre, who has passed away at the age of 68.

A book of condolences in memory of Don has been opened at City Hall. Through his work at the Cork Life Centre, Don transformed the lives of hundreds of young people who had been failed by Ireland’s mainstream education system. For over two decades, he dedicated his life to creating a place where every young person — no matter their background or circumstance — could find belonging, dignity, and the chance to learn.

Mr O’Leary had been living with terminal cancer for more than four years, yet he never stopped working for the young people he cared so deeply about.

He won a seat for Sinn Féin on Cork City Council in 1999 but was forced to stand down the following year due to ill health. Colleagues remembered him as a passionate advocate who always stood up for the oppressed and the overlooked.

When Mr O’Leary became director of the Cork Life Centre in 2006, there were just six students preparing to sit the Junior Certificate. By 2022, that number had grown to 55 students, ranging from first to sixth year.

Under his leadership, the centre became a place of hope. He believed in listening to and respecting young people, guiding them to see their own potential. Using the Servol Life Centre model, he helped hundreds to find motivation, confidence, and purpose in education — often when they had lost faith in school entirely.

He also ensured wrap-around supports for every young person, helping to build their self-esteem and belief in their future.

In 2021, University College Cork awarded him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his outstanding work with the Cork Life Centre.

The following year, he received a Lord Mayor’s Civic Award for his exceptional contribution to education and the Cork community.

In December 2023, Mr O’Leary stepped down as director of the Life Centre, a role he had held for more than 18 years.

“Perhaps most importantly, he gave them the keys to their future,” said Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Fergal Dennehy.

“He was fearless in his advocacy, often challenging authority with honesty and conviction. Those who met and knew him will remember his warmth, humour, and unshakeable belief in the potential of every young person. His legacy will endure not only in the Centre he helped create but in the lives transformed by his dedication.”

In a statement, Cork Life Centre said: “His impact on the centre and our young people was immense, and his loss will be sincerely felt by all. The best way to honour Don's work and contribution to the Cork Life Centre will be to keep doing what we've always done — serving our young people with integrity and respect and ensuring the sustainability of this wonderful organisation into the future.”

Don O’Leary passed away peacefully at home on 3 October, surrounded by his loving family.

After requiem mass at the Church of the Resurrection, Farranree, his funeral took place at St Michael’s Cemetery, Blackrock on Monday.

He is survived by his wife Betty, their children Don and Eilis, and his adored grandchildren Daniel, James, Eoin, and Cian.