Funeral details announced for former Fianna Fáil minister Mary O'Rourke

Olivia Kelleher

Funeral details have been announced for the former Fianna Fáil minister and deputy party leader Mary O’Rourke following her death at the age of 87.

Ms O’Rourke was a TD for close to 30 years having first won a seat in the constituency of Longford - Westmeath in 1982.

She was Minister of Education under the leadership of Charlie Haughey in 1987 and became Minister for Health four years later.

She became the deputy leader of Fianna Fáil in 1997 and was also Minister for Public Enterprise.

The former teacher lost her Dáil seat in 2002 and was subsequently nominated to the Seanad. She regained her Dail seat in 2007 and retired four years later.

Ms O’Rourke will lie in repose at The Strand funeral home in Athlone, Co Westmeath on Sunday October 6th from 3pm to 6pm.

Her requiem mass will take place on Monday in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Coosan at noon, followed by burial in Coosan cemetery.

Ms O’Rourke of “Aisling", Arcadia, Athlone, passed away peacefully on Thursday, surrounded by her loving family and in the care of the staff of the Fern Dean nursing home, Deansgrange.

She was predeceased by her parents PJ and Ann Lenihan, her brothers Brian and Paddy, her sister Anne, her nephews Mark Lenihan, Caoimhìn Lenihan and Brian Lenihan (jnr), her sisters in law Ann Lenihan, Brìd Lenihan, Gertie O'Rourke, Maureen O'Rourke, her brother in law Seamus Walsh and her much loved husband Enda.

Ms O’Rourke is survived by her sons Feargal and Aengus, daughters in law Maeve and Lisa, and her cherished grandchildren Jennifer, Luke, Sarah, Sam, James and Scott, and her sister in law Etna O'Rourke.

She is also fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews, extended family, kind neighbours and large circle of friends.

Meanwhile, Westmeath County Council has opened condolences books in Athlone and Mullingar to allow members of the public to pay tribute to the well known and popular former politician.

They will remain open in the Council Civic Offices in both towns until next Friday.