Book of condolence opened for former county councillor

A book of condolence has been opened in memory of former Sinn Féin councillor Des O’Grady who passed away last week.

The book will be open at Cork County Hall from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Mr O’Grady passed away peacefully at CUH last Wednesday. He was 72 years old.

The Togher native, who was elected to Cork County Council in 2014 and served until 2019 for the Blarney-Macroom constituency, was laid to rest on Monday at St Oliver’s Cemetery, Ballincollig.

Tributes were paid to Mr O’Grady during Monday’s full meeting of Cork County Council.

Fianna Fáil councillor Gillian Coughlan said: “He was a hardworking, diligent, and knowledgeable councillor and was also very affable and kind to his fellow councillors.”

Cllr Cathal Rasmussen, Labour, said: “I sat here beside Des for five years and it was an interesting time. He worked very hard for his constituents and his party.”

A former left wing back for the Cork senior football team, Mr O’Grady played his club football at St Finbarr's. He was the brother of former Cork hurling manager Donal O’Grady.

Following news of his passing, former colleague, Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, said he was devastated by the passing of his good friend.

He said: “From my first day on the council, Des gave me tremendous guidance. I sat beside him every fortnight in Cork County Council. He had great wisdom, and was tenacious – he never accepted inadequate answers, always very well informed and prepared.

“He fought for his constituents with passion but also intelligence. He did this without ego or without pretension.

“He taught me a great deal and was a huge support to me at every stage of my career. A dedicated and hard-working elected rep, fighting hard for his community,” added Deputy Ó Laoghaire.

Sinn Féin Leader, Mary Lou McDonald TD, extended her sympathies to the family, friends and comrades of Mr O’Grady.

She said: “It was with great sadness that I learned that Des O'Grady passed away. He was a brilliant person. Des was deeply intelligent, kind, empathetic, absolutely committed to his political beliefs.

“He was ever present at protests, marches, and demonstrations. Wherever people were standing up to the powerful, you would find Des O'Grady.

“Des O'Grady was the salt of earth. He was honest, he was decent, and he was humble. He gave so much to advance republican politics and he did it with a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten,” said Ms McDonald.

A post on the Cork Sinn Féin Facebook page read: “Farewell to a comrade and dear friend. We are all deeply saddened by the loss of Des.

“Des was a patriot who was committed to the reunification and freedom of Ireland and all of her people. It is with heavy hearts that we express our condolences to his wife Maura, his children, his grandchildren, his family, and his wide circle of friends.

“Rest well, Des. We’ll keep going. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”