Book of Condolence opened for Don O'Leary at Cork's City Hall

A book of condolence in memory of the late Don O’Leary, former director of the Cork Life Centre, has been opened by the Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy.

The book of condolence, which is located in Cork City Hall, will be available to the public to sign between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, for two weeks.

Mr O’Leary passed away on Friday, at the age of 68, following a long illness.

Mr O’Leary served as director of the Life Centre for more than 18 years, during which time he helped hundreds of young people who had been failed by the conventional education system.

A Ballyphehane native who lived most of his life in Fairhill, Mr O’Leary was a lifelong advocate for social justice.

Jailed for three years in the late 1980s for membership of the Provisional IRA, he was elected a member of Cork City Council for Sinn Féin in 1999.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said of Mr O’Leary: “Don always affirmed young people, helping them develop self-esteem and confidence in their own abilities”.

The Lord Mayor said Mr O’Leary had provided wrap-around services for the young people in his care, nurturing their self-esteem and their self-belief.

“Perhaps most importantly, he gave them the keys to their future,” Mr Dennehy said.

“He was fearless in his advocacy, often challenging authority with honesty and conviction.

“Those who met and knew him, will remember his warmth, humour, and unshakeable belief in the potential of every young person.

“His legacy will endure, not only in the centre he helped create, but in the lives transformed by his dedication.” 

Mr O’Leary is survived by his wife Betty, their children Don and Eilis, and their grandchildren, Daniel, James, Eoin, and Cian.

Mr O’Leary’s remains will repose at Coughlan’s Funeral Home, Shandon Street today, Saturday, from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday from 1pm, with his family in attendance at 3pm and prayers at 4pm.

Requiem Mass on Monday, October 6 at 11am in the Church of the Resurrection, Farranree, and funeral afterwards to St Michael’s Cemetery, Blackrock.