I am deeply saddened to report the demise of Mary O’Rourke as per the news published on October 7th; it came as a shock.
Mary was a dedicated advocate for Educate Together throughout her life. Her tenure as education minister, from 1987 to 1991, marked a significant chapter in the expansion of Educate Together schools. She played a significant role in establishing new branches in Cork, Sligo, Kilkenny, Limerick, and also in Rathfarnham, Ranelagh, and North Bay in Dublin.
She battled against entrenched resistance to instigate change, enabling Educate Together to establish itself firmly as a nationwide endeavour. When addressing the annual gathering in Galway in 1990, she unveiled the ‘Educate Together Charter’, a document now heralded as the cornerstone of the organisation’s ambitions and principles.
Throughout her professional journey, she continually provided guidance and advocacy support to the officials of the organisation to usher in educational reforms. Despite stepping down from public office, Mary continued to contribute by serving as a board member of Educate Together from 2011 to 2017. She significantly contributed to the myriad fundraising, communications and lobbying efforts of the organisation.
Mary was an unwavering, brave, optimistic and convivial companion – always keen to share straight-talking insights drawn from personal and familial political experience. Her passion, knowledge and wit are immortalised through numerous accounts in Educate Together’s records of her impactful and moving addresses. Her warm-hearted advice and unflinching support will fondly be remembered.
Her departure is a great loss. Our thoughts and condolences go out to her family, friends and co-workers at this difficult time. May she find peace in her eternal rest.
PAUL ROWE,
Dublin 15.