Former MEP and West Cork native Brian Crowley dies, aged 61

The former MEP, West Cork native Brian Crowley has died, aged 61.

Mr Crowley had been receiving treatment at Cork University Hospital and passed away in the early hours of this morning.

He had been ill for some time.

Mr Crowley was elected to the European Parliament on five occasions between 1994 and 2014.

He stepped down as an MEP in 2019.

He previously served as a Fianna Fáil MEP before the party removed him following a dispute over his decision to join the European Conservatives and Reformists Group.

Before his removal from the party, Mr Crowley sought to run for the presidency in 2011 but did not receive the necessary support within Fianna Fáil, which ultimately opted not to run a candidate.

Mr Crowley was a wheelchair user, having been paralysed from the waist down following an accident at the age of 16.

The former MEP faced significant criticism during his final term, when he was absent from the European Parliament due to illness and did not cast any votes.

However, Mr Crowley defended his absences, saying he continued to deal with constituency issues while in hospital.

An accomplished singer, he was a well-known entertainer around West Cork for many years and a regular performer at many festivals in the region.

Mr Crowley is survived by his mother, Sally, and his siblings.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin paid tribute to Mr Crowley, saying he learned of his death with “great sadness”.

“Brian was a hugely impressive individual. Coming from a family steeped in public service, Taoiseach Albert Reynolds recognised his talents and nominated him to Seanad Éireann in 1993.

“After just a year in that role, he sought election to the European Parliament for the Munster constituency and was not only elected, but topping the poll in a stunning victory.

“That relationship with his voters only became stronger over his years of dedicated and energetic service and he went on to top the poll in each of the three subsequent elections he contested, attracting truly extraordinary levels of support.” 

Mr Martin said the vote was a “testament to the truly strong bond between him and the people he represented”.

“Without question he was one of the great vote getters of the modern political era. He had no equal,” 

Mr Martin said.

Mr Martin said Mr Crowley showed “incredible personal resilience and strength of character” following his paralysis.

“With great natural musical ability and a fantastic outgoing personality, he was the life and soul of many Fianna Fáil Ard Fheiseanna and thrilled many on the musical scene in Shanleys in Clonakilty for many years.

“Brian was also a person of deep personal faith, which was profoundly important to him as he struggled with the complications arising from his disability in his later years.

“Brian was deeply committed to his community and his country. His loss will be felt deeply by his mother Sally, his family, his large circle of friends and all his former colleagues.” 

Tánaiste Simon Harris also paid tribute to Mr Crowley, saying he served both Fianna Fáil and the country with “distinction” for 20 years.

Cork MEP Billy Kelleher described Mr Crowley as an “exceptional human being” and a “fierce advocate for people with disabilities”.

“In his later years. Brian was beset by many health difficulties, which sadly required long periods of hospitalisation. However, he never lost hope, and he never lost his faith.

“Despite his many health challenges, he was always in touch with his constituents and most recently with me and other Fianna Fáil friends and colleagues offering advice and sometimes criticism that was usually warranted.

“In fact, Brian only texted me earlier this week to wish me a Happy Birthday. A text that now means quite a lot in hindsight.”