‘Gentleman to his fingertips’

Tributes have been paid to former lord mayor Donal Counihan, who passed away in Marymount Hospice on Monday this week.

A lifelong member of Fianna Fáíl, Counihan joined the party in 1959 at the age of 17. He canvassed for former taoiseach and president Éamonn de Valera as a young boy.

He was elected to Cork Corporation in 1979, and served as lord mayor of Cork City Council from 2007-2008.

Current Lord Mayor Cllr Fergal Dennehy said that he was deeply saddened by his loss.

“Donal’s term as lord mayor was characterised by dignity and integrity - traits he displayed throughout his political and private life.

“He will be remembered not only for how he held office, but for how he treated people. He was always open and approachable.

“His dedication to Cork and to its people will long be remembered, and his contribution to civic life remains an important part of the city’s story,” he said.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said that Counihan was a “wonderful public representative, a warm and convivial man who left a significant mark on Cork and on Fianna Fáil”.

“He was a great raconteur and was always very interested in people. He was a great listener and had many great stories, which he would readily share.

“Moreover, Donal was a wise and valued friend. We will miss him greatly,” he said.

A number of other city councillors have expressed their sadness at Counihan’s passing.

Fine Gael councillor Damian Boylan said that he was a “gentleman to his fingertips”, and that he brought “a quiet class and statesmanlike presence to public life”.

“He carried office with dignity, but more than that, he carried himself with grace,” he said.

Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy paid tribute to Counihan’s interest in local history.

“Historically many of the community centre structures in the south east are very much there because of Donal’s positive input and sending investment into such community structures,” he said.

Labour Party councillor Peter Horgan said he was deeply saddened by Counihan’s passing.

“He always had a kind word whenever we met,” he said.

Tributes were also paid by Blackrock Hurling Club, of which he was a lifelong member, and by St Michael’s Parish Blackrock.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.