Book of condolences to mark the passing of Bernard Allen

A BOOK of condolence has been opened at Cork City Hall to mark the passing of former Lord Mayor, minister of state and TD for Cork North Central, Bernard Allen.

A former Fine Gael junior minister, Mr Allen began his political career in 1979, when he was first elected to the then Cork Corporation, in what was then the north-central ward.

In 1988, Mr Allen served as Lord Mayor, following in the footsteps of grandfather, James Allen, who was lord mayor in 1942.

Mr Allen’s uncle, Alderman Sammy Allen served on Cork Corporation until his passing in 1977.

In the 1981 general election, Mr Allen was elected to Dáil Éireann as a Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central, and he retained his seat at every subsequent election until his retirement, after 30 years in the Dáil, in 2011.

In 1994, when Fine Gael returned to government, taoiseach John Bruton appointed Mr Allen minister of state at the Department of Education, with special responsibility for youth and sport.

Between 2007 and 2011, Mr Allen served as chair of the Public Accounts Committee.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, has called a special meeting of Cork City Council at 9.15am on Wednesday, June 26 to pay tribute Mr Allen.

The Allen family, former lords mayor of Cork and TDs and Senators have been invited to attend the special meeting.

Over the weekend the Lord Mayor expressed his condolences to Mr Allen’s family and friends.

“I am saddened to learn of the death of Bernard Allen, a TD of 30 year’s experience and more particularly a former lord mayor of Cork.

“He was a public representative of strength and stature who served the city well, helping deliver vital sporting infrastructure and also playing a leading role in the establishment of Munster Technological University,” Mr Boyle said.

Funeral details have been announced, and Mr Allen’s remains will repose at Jerh O’Connor’s Wilton Funeral Home, Sarsfield Road, from 4pm on Tuesday June 25, with Requiem Mass at 11am on Wednesday, June 26 in the North Cathedral.

He will be laid to rest in St Finbarr’s Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon.