Former TD Allen is laid to rest

Former Minister of State, TD and Lord Mayor of Cork, Bernard Allen was laid to rest yesterday, Wednesday.

Both An Tanáiste Micheál Martin and An Taoiseach Simon Harris were amongst those attending the requiem mass for Mr Allen in the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne.

Mourners heard of the late Fine Gael politician’s love for sport and how he held a huge respect for all his constituents.

Speaking at the mass, Mr Allen’s daughter Lorraine described her father as “a devoted husband and treasured dad” who always left politics at the door.

Lorraine said: “For such a public figure, he was a very private and family person.

“He loved being home with my mum Marie, myself, Audrey, and Deirdre.

“He was a very doting dad, luckily with the patience of a saint,” Lorraine added.

As a grandfather, Lorraine said her father would shower his three grandchildren with cuddles and had a “hotline to Santa”.

She continued: “Dad, we are beyond heartbroken to have lost you. We will forever feel your love with us.

“Be assured that we are going to take good care of mum. You will be a massive void in her life,” she said.

“We, as a family, are so proud to have you as a husband, dad, and granddad. May you rest in peace.”

Mr Allen was first elected to Cork City Council (then Cork Corporation) in 1979 following the death of his uncle Sammy Allen. His grandfather James Allen was part of the first Cork Corporation in 1922. Bernard Allen was elected to Dáil Éireann in 1981 for Cork North Central and was re-elected in each general election until his retirement in 2011. He also served as Lord Mayor of Cork.

An Taoiseach and Leader of Fine Gael, Simon Harris expressed his condolences.

"Bernard was a pillar of his community, whose dedication and loyalty to the people he served were unmatched.

“Bernard was a man with endless reserves of wisdom and wit, who knew the perfect time to deploy the right amount of either. He was a beloved colleague in Fine Gael and beyond, a proud Corkman and a good friend.

“To his wife Marie, their children, Lorraine, Audrey and Deirdre, my deepest sympathy at this very difficult time.

“May he rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”

Minister of State and TD for Cork North Central, Colm Burke also shared his condolences.

The deputy said: “With the very sad passing of Bernard Allen, Cork has lost a most accomplished public representative.

“He was pivotal in the development of lasting and sustainable sporting infrastructure in Cork City. Additionally, he played an important role in the creation of Munster Technological University by chairing the committee charged with its creation.

“On a personal level this is an incredibly sad day for me. In all aspects of my political career Bernard was a great friend, astute advisor, and wonderful mentor.”

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle has opened a book of condolences at Cork City Hall to mark the passing of Mr Allen.

The Lord Mayor said: “I am saddened to learn of the death of Bernard Allen.

“He was a public representative of strength and stature who served the city well, helping deliver vital sporting infrastructure.”