Brian Crowley laid to rest
One of Ireland’s most popular former politicians was laid to rest this week after a long illness.
Former independent and Fianna Fáil MEP Brian Crowley died on Friday at CUH at the age of 61. He had been unwell for some time.
He was elected to the European Parliament five times and topped the poll in all the European elections he contested from 1994-2014. He retired from active politics in 2019.
Tributes to the Corkman were led by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who called him “a hugely impressive individual”. “Brian was deeply committed to his community and his country. His loss will be felt deeply by his mother Sally, his family, his friends, and all his former colleagues.”
At the funeral service in his home town of Bandon, he was described as an inspirational man who dealt with the trials and difficulties of life with bravery and courage.
Fr John Newman said he was a “pure gentleman who inspired and motivated many with his positivity and resilience”.
President of Ireland Catherine Connolly was represented by her Aide-de-Camp Commandant Deirdre Newell.
Those attending the funeral included Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan, Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, former Fianna Fáil minister Michael Moynihan, Senator Mark Daly and MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú.
Following the service, Mr Crowley was laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining his parish church, St Patrick's in Bandon.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said: “He was a great friend of Cork, a man who cared deeply for the entirety of Cork county and someone who always remained engaged with the people he represented, advocating tirelessly on their behalf.
“The legacy he leaves as a legislator in the European Parliament, and as a public representative who helped shape Ireland’s and Cork’s place within the EU, will stand the test of time. Throughout his career, he retained a determination to always make a difference, a most admirable quality in a man with such a demanding role and public profile.”
Former Fine Gael minister Simon Coveney described Crowley as “one of the most positive, energetic, competitive and decent people I’ve known in politics and in life! We were different parties but good friends,” adding that he had so much respect for him.
Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher said he was “a leader who people rallied behind. He was elected leader of his European political family in the early 2000s and was respected by politicians from across the political spectrum.
“In his later years. Brian was beset by many health difficulties, which sadly required long periods of hospitalisation. However, he never lost hope, and he never lost his faith,” he added.
A law graduate of UCC, Brian Crowley was paralysed at the age of 16 years due to an accident but it never defined him. He was nominated to Seanad Éireann in 1993, and then elected to the European Parliament a year later. He had a 25 year career in Europe as an MEP although ill health meant he was unable to attend parliament often in his final term.