Former minister Mary O'Rourke was 'the ultimate public representative'

Mourners gathered at the Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Athlone, Co Westmeath, on Monday, with President Michael D Higgins and Tánaiste Micheál Martin among those in attendance.

Ms O’Rourke is survived by her two sons, Feargal and Aengus.

Gifts were brought to the altar by her six grandchildren, which included a photo with her husband Enda O’Rourke — who died in 2001 — as well as a Fianna Fáil flag.

The cortege making its way to church today. Picture: Colin Keegan/ Collins

Her son Aengus described Ms O’Rourke as the “ultimate public representative”, saying she would go “beyond the call of duty” for anyone, but particularly those who were marginalised or disadvantaged.

“She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind and she was happy to take on any political opponent or commentator,” he said.

Her other son, Feargal, described her love of poetry, highlighting her favourite poets like Patrick Kavanagh and Emily Dickinson.

He told of her love of rugby, particularly highlighting how she would ask questions around who was on the pitch.

“Until her dying day, when I’d go in she would ask me about the rugby,” Feargal said.

He compared her to Bundee Aki, as she “identified with that person barreling through the opposition, throwing them left and right with no heed for their own safety".

Tánaiste Micheál Martin arrives for the funeral Mass.

Mr Martin delivered an oration at the funeral Mass, telling mourners while public life was full of great characters, “few have burned so brightly and for so long”.

“Few have left behind not only the warm glow of personal connection with the people, but a record of real substance,” Mr Martin said.

“Yes she was a major national celebrity, a brilliant and modern communicator. She was someone who was welcomed and applauded by people in all parts of our country.

“But these are of only passing importance. Far more important is that she was a person of deep substance — a political leader who left public office with a record of delivering lasting progress for her community and her country.” 

Mr Martin said Ms O’Rourke’s achievements in public life stood on the “rock-solid foundation of family”.

He said as a child, Ms O’Rourke was encouraged to hold “as many hopes and aspirations as a son”, while also addressing her love of reading and literature.

The Tánaiste also spoke of the relationship between Ms O’Rourke and her late husband Enda, describing it as a “deep relationship of respect and affection”.

“It was the bedrock for a political career which would not have been possible otherwise,” he said.

President Michael D Higgins at the funeral for the  former Fianna Fáil deputy leader Mary O'Rourke. Picture: Colin Keegan/ Collins 

The TD for Longford-Westmeath had served in multiple different Cabinet posts, having first been elected to the Dáil in November 1982.

During her time in Leinster House, she took up position as the minister for education, health and public enterprise.

Ms O’Rourke was also deputy leader of Fianna Fáil between 1997 and 2002, being a central figure in then-Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s first coalition government.

While she lost her Dáil seat in 2002, she entered the Seanad and regained the seat in the 2007 election, before retiring in 2011.

Ciaran, Eimear and Seán Haughey at Mary O'Rourke's funeral at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Coosan, Athlone, Co Westmeath. Picture: Colin Keegan/ Collins 

In the homily, Father Patrick Murphy described Ms O’Rourke as a “strong personality and character”.

“Mary was blessed with that strong personality and character that allowed her to enter and to succeed in what was then a male dominated space,” Fr Murphy said.

“Her political achievements have been well documented and her commitment to public service is well known throughout the country. Throughout her life she worked tirelessly in the service of others.

“Over many years she has been a regular commentator and contributor on radio and television. She frequently wrote articles and opinion pieces for various daily and Sunday newspapers.

Education Minister Norma Foley at Mary O'Rourke's funeral. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/ RollingNews.ie

“Through her spoken and written words, she enlightened us, challenged us, and even entertained us with her humour and wit. Mary’s contribution to public life has been enormous.” 

Following the funeral Mass, Ms O'Rourke's burial is due to take place in Coosan cemetary