THE former “Mammy of the Dail” Mary O’Rourke was remembered as a “pillar of strength” as she was laid to rest today.
The trailblazing politician, who died on October 3, spent 30 years in the Dail and held a number of ministerial positions.
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Mary had a “frank and honest” approach to her contributions mourners were told at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Coosan in Athlone.
Born in Athlone, Co Westmeath, she was a teacher and local councillor before being first elected in to the Dail in 1982.
President Michael D Higgins was among the hundreds who turned out to bid farewell to the 87-year-old politician.
He was joined by Taoiseach Simon Harris, Tanaiste Micheal Martin and other government representatives.
The parish priest told mourners how the former Fianna Fail minister was “so much a part of the life of this parish” and the community.
Mary was married to businessman Enda O’Rourke, who was once managing director of Midland Oil and formerly owned a dealership.
Symbols of Mary’s life were brought to the alter including a photo with her husband Enda, a Fianna Fail flag, her book and a rugby jersey.
Raglan Road filled the church and the Lake Isle of Innisfree was recited during the service.
Fianna Fail leader Martin remembered Mary as a “person of deep substance”.
He said: “She was a major national figure, a brilliant and modern communicator.
“She was someone who was welcomed and applauded by people in all parts of our country.
“And while these are of some 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.”
LEGACY
The Tanaiste praised Mary for her work in the education system.
He said: “She implemented the first national expansion of the educational disadvantage scheme.
“And research has repeatedly shown how this approach has succeeded in helping reduce educational disadvantage.
“She also put in place a policy of seeking to steadily reduce the size of classes in Irish schools.
“She believed in allowing teachers and pupils more opportunity to interact.”
‘TRAILED A BLAZE’
Her sons Feargal and Aengus told how Mary went “beyond the call of duty” for everyone.
Aengus said: “Mum definitely trailed a blaze, as Father Pat said in his homily.
“As a woman, she was the first elected to Athlone Urban District Council in 1974.
“The first woman to take the seat in the council there in a chamber, totally dominated by men.
“So she was brave. She was confident, articulate, intelligent.”
‘PILLAR OF STRENGTH’
Her son Aengus told how his mother was a “pillar of strength”.
He said: “She was love and loyalty. Her dedication to us, her family, it was always deep. It was always solid.
“She was always positive and encouraging. We never lost her to politics. She was always there.”
Away from politics, Mary made regular media appearances on shows like RTE’s Celebrity Bainisteoir and Sex & Sensibility.
PROUD MUM
Aengus continued: “The private Mary was modest. She was proud of her family.
“She loved her family, and she loved that long. She enjoyed the simple things in life.”
He added: “It was a fascinating environment to grow up in. It was a very fast moving environment.
“I can’t say I always loved it, but it grew on me over time. And of course, I’m involved in politics locally now.”
“She was love and loyalty. Her dedication to us, her family, it was always deep. It was always solid.”
Aengus O’Rourke
Son Feargal told mourners how she always left the radio on after her husband Enda passed.
He said: “The end was very quick, but mom, as ever, was in full control of everything. She went downhill over a period of literally 24 hours.
“She made sure she there was enough time for Aengus, myself and Maeve and Lisa and the six grandkids to get there.
“All around her when she passed just after 3 o’clock – in plenty of time for the six o’clock news on a very slow news day.
“That’s the way she would have wanted. It’s the end of an era for us, for Athlone, for Fianna Fail. And judging by the public commentary the end of an era for many, many people.
“But she’s with dad now and we will always have her.”
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