'Norman lit up the city': Tributes paid to ‘De Piper’ 

The Lord Mayor has led tributes to the late Norman O’Rourke, who was known to generations in Cork as ‘De Piper’.

Mr O’Rourke, who passed away on Wednesday, was a talented piper known across Cork for playing the bagpipes at moments of civic and cultural significance.

His playing featured prominently throughout Cork City Council’s programme of events honouring the Decade of Commemoration, and many knew him for his plaintive, sensitive playing during events marking Suicide Awareness Week.

He had a lifelong association with St Vincent’s Hurling and Football Club, where his playing featured at countless club events.

Advocate

The Lord Mayor, Fergal Dennehy, said his thoughts and prayers were with Mr O’Rourke’s family and friends.

“A talented musician and advocate for Ireland, Norman lit up the city and beyond with his talent.

“He was a remarkable man, and he will be fondly remembered,” Mr Dennehy said.

Caitríona Twomey, volunteer co-ordinator with Cork Penny Dinners, said she had known Mr O’Rourke all her life.

“Norman was an amazing man, with a heart of gold, and anything he was ever asked to do, he did, and he did well,” she said.

“He’ll be a huge loss. So many people knew him, young and old, children, everybody knew Norman, and everybody just loved to see him. He was a larger-than- life character, and his loss will be terrible.

“He was truly loved.”

Proud Corkonian

Kieran McCarthy, Independent councillor and former lord mayor, said he was saddened to hear of Mr O’Rourke’s death.

“Norman was a recipient of one of my Lord Mayor’s Civic Awards last year, in recognition of his contribution to music and cultural heritage in Cork city,” Mr McCarthy said.

“He was a proud Corkonian, who was an avid supporter of sport, music, history and much more.

“When I met Norman in recent years, I was struck by his pride for his home city and his pride in being asked to be able to lead with his bagpipes several important remembrance ceremonies around the Decade of Commemoration.”

Mr McCarthy said that Cork’s commemoration events had needed Mr O’Rourke’s “pride, his musicianship and his dignity”, which he afforded every ceremony.

“Norman was a guardian and ambassador of Cork’s stories. He is sorely missed by all those who interacted with such a gentleman,” Mr McCarthy added.

Saddened

In a statement, St Vincent’s Hurling and Football Club said its members were really saddened at the news of Mr O’Rourke’s passing.

“Norman had a long association with Cumann Uinsinn Naofa, from winning a premier minor hurling medal in 1957 to playing the pipes at so many club events over the years,” the club said.

“A gentleman, a friend to many, and a true saint, Norman received a presentation at Pairc Uinsinn a number of years ago marking a lifetime’s contribution to the club.

“Ar Dheis Dé go raibh an anam dilís, our sincere condolences to Marie, [his] entire family circle and friends.”

Mr O’Rourke passed away peacefully in the presence of his family and in the care of the staff at St Clare’s Ward, St Finbarr’s Hospital.

He is survived by his wife, Marie (nee Coleman), his children Niamh, Brian, Dara, Breffni and Cliona, his grandchildren Shauna, James, Ciara, Gloria, Erin, John, David, Ella, Mollie and Orla and his great grandchild Rían.

He is sadly missed by his brothers Aubie and Kevin, in-laws, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Reposing at Coughlan’s Funeral Home, Shandon St from 10am on Saturday, August 30, family in attendance from 3pm, with Rosary at 4.00pm.

Requiem Mass at 11am on Monday, September 1, in St Oliver’s Church, Ballyvolane.

Funeral afterwards to Rathcooney Cemetery. Family flowers only.