Book of condolence opened for former Cork lord mayor Donal Counihan

A special meeting of Cork City Council has been called for Friday, May 1, to pay tribute to former lord mayor, Donal Counihan, who died on Monday at the age of 84.

The meeting, which will be convened by the Lord Mayor, councillor Fergal Dennehy, is a mark of respect to the late Mr Counihan, who served as lord mayor from 2007 to 2008, and will take place before his requiem Mass.

First elected to what was then Cork Corporation in 1979, Mr Counihan served as a councillor for the city’s south-east ward on several councils across the next three decades. He remained active in party politics, and in community and civic life, for many years after his time as an elected representative.

The Counihan family, former lords mayor of Cork, TDs and senators, have been invited to attend the special council meeting at 10am in in Cork City Hall.

Earlier this week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin paid tribute to “a tremendous community activist (who) cared deeply about his community and city”.

“Donal was passionate about Cork. He was a wonderful public representative and was in politics for all the right reasons, to improve the lives of the people and community he represented,” Mr Martin said.

“Moreover, Donal was a wise and valued friend. We will miss him greatly.

Mr Dennehy also paid tribute to Mr Counihan.

“Donal’s term as lord mayor was characterised by dignity and integrity - traits he displayed throughout his political and private life,” he said.

“He will be remembered not only for how he held office, but for how he treated people. He was always open and approachable.

“His dedication to Cork and to its people will long be remembered, and his contribution to civic life remains an important part of the city’s story.” 

A book of condolence has also been opened by the Lord Mayor in the atrium at City Hall to mark the passing of Mr Counihan, and it is available to the public to sign between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Mr Counihan and his wife Breda were married 59 years this month, and he would have celebrated his 85th birthday on May 27.

He is survived by Breda, their children Niamh, Gillian and Kieran, grandchildren, Mark, Luke, Matthew, Grace and Ava, extended family and a wide circle of friends.

Mr Counihan will repose at O’Connor’s Temple Hill Funeral Home, Boreenmanna Rd on Thursday, April 30, from 4pm to 5pm.

Requiem Mass will be held at midday on Friday, May 1, in St Michael’s Church, Blackrock, with funeral afterwards to St Finbarr’s Cemetery.