Funeral arrangements announced for ‘legendary Cork character’ Con O'Leary

Former Cork city councillor Con O'Leary is to be laid to rest tomorrow.

A much-loved shopkeeper on Cork’s northside for over 50 years, Mr O’Leary was elected to represent the city’s former north-central ward as an Independent councillor in 1991 and 1999.

The Gurranabraher native passed away in Gran Canaria earlier this month.

It is understood he fell ill while holidaying with family members and passed away in hospital a short time later.

Funeral arrangements have now been posted, with the removal to take place at O'Connor Bros Funeral Home, North Gate Bridge, today from 4pm-6pm with prayers at 5.45pm.

The funeral mass will take place tomorrow at 12 noon in the Church of The Ascension, Gurranabraher and Mr O’Leary will then be laid to rest at St Joseph's Cemetery.

Tributes to Mr O’Leary poured in following his passing on Friday, January 5.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he was “saddened” to learn the news, saying that he had “very fond memories of serving with Con O’Leary on Cork City Council in the early 90s”.

“He served his community with great commitment and generosity for half a century.

“Con’s brilliant wit, and his dedication and passion for his city will be sorely missed,” Mr Martin continued, offering his sincere condolences to Mr O’Leary’s family.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy, was also among the many to pay tribute to Mr O’Leary and offer his condolences to the family.

“On behalf of the people of Cork, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Con’s family, his daughters, and his grandchildren and friends.

“As a member, Con was very active in Cork Corporation and represented his constituents with much passion, regularly speaking up on several social issues, which affected Cork citizens and pushing for positive change,” he said.

“Con served as a councillor as a member of the Southern Health Board, and as a director of EACD (European Cities against Drugs).

“I had the pleasure of hosting a civic reception for Con last year to acknowledge his incredible contribution to local politics and to his local community.

“A native of Gurranabraher, Con will always be known as a legendary Cork character with much wit but whose caring efforts not only benefitted Gurranabraher but also the wider city as well.

“May he rest in peace.” Mr O’Leary is survived by his daughters Lorraine, Tina, Deborah and Aishling.

He was predeceased by his wife Ann.