Book of condolence opens at Cork's City Hall for former Lord Mayor Brian Bermingham

A book of condolence for former lord mayor Brian Bermingham has opened at Cork’s City Hall.

Mr Bermingham passed away unexpectedly in Spain at the weekend in the presence of his family.

Opening the book of condolence yesterday, Lord Mayor of Cork Dan Boyle paid tribute to Mr Bermingham.

“I am saddened to learn of the death of Brian Bermingham, a councillor and former lord mayor whose family have had such a positive legacy in Cork,” Mr Boyle said.

“Brian’s father John was instrumental in setting up the Cope foundation, and Brian also dedicated his life to helping people through ongoing education and advocacy.

“He served his city well and will be remembered fondly by all those who he crossed paths with,” he said.

Mr Boyle will call a special meeting of Cork City Council on elected members’ agreement to pay tribute to Mr Bermingham.

The details of the special meeting are to be announced in the coming days.

A former Fine Gael and Progressive Democrats politician, Brian Bermingham was first elected to Cork City Council in 1979 and represented the people of Cork South West until 2009.

He was elected the lord mayor of Cork in June 2008, 40 years after his father John Bermingham — who was elected in 1968.

On learning of his passing, Mr Boyle expressed his condolences to the family and friends of Mr Bermingham.

A number of condolences have already been shared on Mr Bermingham’s death notice on RIP.ie, where he has been remembered as “a true gentleman”, “great neighbour”, and “a hardworking councillor”.

Fine Gael city councillor Shane O’Callaghan said: “I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of the former lord mayor of Cork, Brian Bermingham.

“Brian gave many years of service to Cork and it’s people as a city councillor and lord mayor, and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Cork North-Central Fine Gael TD Colm Burke said he was “saddened” by the news.

“Brian served for over 30 years as a Cork city councillor,” Mr Burke said.

“He will be sadly missed and my condolences to his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Funeral details for Mr Bermingham are yet to be announced.