The late Pat Cooney: a man of integrity and dignity

The late Pat Cooney, who died on Saturday, December 6, was for many years a TD for this area, and occupied several key positions at Dáil Éireann, before going on to become this county’s only ever member of the European Parliament (MEP).

Aged 94, Mr Cooney, who would have turned 95 on March 2 next, died peacefully at The Hermitage Clinic in Dublin, after a short illness. He was a man known and respected for his decency, dignity, his politeness and his integrity.

Tributes have this week been paid to the late Mr Cooney by a number of leading figures, including the Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, TD, and the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Deputy Peter Burke, TD.

Born in Longford Town, Mr Cooney was educated at Castleknock College, before going on to UCD, where he obtained a BA (1951) and a Bachelor of Laws (1953) degree. He moved to Athlone to work with the legal firm of Fair and Murtagh, and practised there as a solicitor until becoming a full-time politician.

Like many who go on to serve on the national stage, Mr Cooney’s entry to political life came via the county council, on which he served from 1967 to 1973. His move to national politics came in April 1970, when in the by-election held following the death of the Fianna Fáil TD, Paddy Lenihan, he was elected to Dáil Éireann. At the time, what was termed the ‘dual mandate’ was allowed, and so for the next three years, he served in both the Dáil and the county council. In the 1973 general election, he topped the poll in this constituency, and was appointed minister for justice, and left the county council.

In 1977, the Fianna Fáil landslide victory saw Mr Cooney lose his seat, but the subsequent Seanad election saw him win a seat on the cultural and educational panel.

In 1981 and 1982, there were three general elections and Mr Cooney regained his Dáil seat in 1981, and retained it in the two elections in 1982. Post the 1981 election, he served as minister for enterprise, tourism and employment and as minister for transport. After the second 1982 election, he was appointed minister for defence, and in a 1986 reshuffle, as minister for education.

Mr Cooney retained his seat in the 1987 general election in which Fianna Fáil came into power. He then ran successfully in the European Parliament elections in 1989, but opted not to seek re-election after that term.

Outside of politics, Mr Cooney, a man of both intellect and culture, enjoyed travel, particularly after retirement, and he was keen on history, having been for many years an active member of the Old Athlone Society.

He was also a sportsman of some note. Rugby was his passion, and he played and also refereed, and had a long association with Athlone RFC and then Buccaneers. He also enjoyed equestrian pursuits, and was a long-time member of the South Westmeath Hunt, of which he was president. Another interest was horseracing.

Politics was, however, something of a family passion: Mr Cooney’s uncle by marriage was General Sean Mac Eoin; and both his brother – the Mullingar veterinary surgeon Fintan Cooney – and his son, Glasson-based solicitor, Mark Cooney – also served as members of Westmeath County Council.

A keen family man, Mr Cooney had been predeceased by his wife Bridie (née McMenamin), as well as by his sisters, Mary Cooney and Christine Cooney, and his brothers John, Garrett and Fintan.

He is survived by his sons Mark (Glasson), Michael (Leitrim) and Edward (Italy); his daughter Catherine (Dublin); by Mark’s wife Anne and Edward’s wife Stefana; by Ann’s husband Kilian Plunkett, as well as by his grandchildren Eva, Gemma, Carla, Alice and Bridget and his sisters Agnes Cooney and Gemma Rowley as well as by his brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and cousins.

In his tribute to Mr Cooney, Minister Harris described him as a man of tremendous integrity and possessed of a genuine passion for politics; he said he would be remembered for his contribution to public life, and for his courtesy, his decency and the respect he showed to all who worked with him.

Minister Peter Burke, describing himself as “profoundly saddened”, said Mr Cooney had been a role model to him growing up, embodying the principles of public service and demonstrating what dedication and integrity can achieve in political life.

“He showed incredible bravery and integrity throughout his political life,” he added. “I think of his role during the 1973-1977 government, when as minister for justice, he defended the institutions of the state when they were under significant threat from subversives.

Minister Burke commented that three years ago, at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis in Athlone three years ago, the late Mr Cooney gave him great advice after he (Minister Burke) had suffered a health scare.

“I think of Pat’s family, in particular his sons, Mark, Michael, Edward, and daughter Catherine, as well as his wide circle of friends and the community of Athlone at this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

In accordance with Mr Cooney’s wishes, his body has been donated to medical science.

An opportunity to express condolences to the family will be available at Flynn’s Funeral Home, The Strand, Athlone (N37 WY17) on Wednesday, 10th December from 4pm to 7pm. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St Mary’s Church, Athlone (N37 XP66) on Thursday at 10.30am.