Wallace remembered for his ‘warmth and quick wit’

A book of condolences will be opened at Cork City Hall this afternoon for former Lord Mayor of Cork, Dan Wallace, who passed away yesterday aged 82.

The book will be opened at 1.30pm today by current Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle.

The Lord Mayor said: “I am sorry to learn of the passing of Dan Wallace, a former Lord Mayor of Cork, a Teachta Dala representing Cork North Central for many years, and a Minister of State. A committed public representative devoted especially to the northside of the city.”

A former member of Fianna Fáil, Mr Wallace was Lord Mayor of Cork from 1985 to 1986 and served as an elected member of Cork Corporation from 1979 to 1992.

He then went on to serve as Minister of State for Environment from 1992 to 1993 and also for Environment and Local Government from 1997 to 2002.

Mr Wallace was first elected to Dáil Éireann as a TD for the Cork North-Central constituency in November 1982 and was re-elected in every subsequent general election until he retired in May 2007.

In a statement, Taoiseach and Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil, Micheál Martin TD, expressed his deep sadness of his “dear friend and former colleague”.

He said: “Dan personified the decency, good nature and fighting spirit of the north side of Cork.

“Dan was a dedicated public servant who gave almost 25 years of his life to representing the people of Cork North Central in Dáil Éireann.

“Throughout his career, Dan was a tireless advocate for the people of the northside of Cork city. His passion for serving his people was unwavering, and he fought relentlessly to improve their lives.

“On a personal level, I will miss Dan greatly.

“Beyond his many political achievements, those of us who had the privilege to work alongside him will always remember his quick wit, his warmth, and the great sense of humour that made him such a pleasure to serve with. He was not just a valued colleague but a cherished friend.

“My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him,” added Mr Martin.