“Mary O’Rourke would have relished being in the midst of it all,” is what people often said. It was indeed her final farewell, but we could understand why the sentiment was shared. Witnessing old members of Fianna Fáil emerging from every corner, watching some of them stumble towards the church’s entrance and others strutting in as if they still ruled Leinster House and beyond, would have brought her immense joy. She would have appreciated the style, chatter, and hearing all the news updates, as well as who was present and who wasn’t. Any comments from the latest line up would have piqued her interest too.
Described as “the ultimate public representative” by her son Aengus, who gave a speech at her service along with his brother Feargal, Mary’s funeral in Athlone on Monday was a reflection of this. Numerous past and current members of Fianna Fáil turned out in large numbers to say goodbye.
These figures were joined by many of her past constituents remembering and honouring her at Coosan church. In acknowledgment of her longstanding service in the public sphere, the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, and the Tánaiste and leader of Fianna Fáil, Micheál Martin, attended as well.
As a poignant picture of a life lived in the public eye, the coffin draped in the tricolour, reporters, and television cameras were prominent. Above this spectacle, her bereaved family and broad network of friends mourned the loss of the private Mary O’Rourke, who had a love for cooking, baking, playing bridge, and watching rugby, and periodically made her children squirm with her candid revelations in interviews.
Mary O’Rourke was an adept politician with a natural proficiency for politics. Regardless of how illustrious her political career was, she never lost touch with her roots. “She was a constant presence in our lives and we maintained a strong bond,” Aengus stated.
Reflecting on the life of Mary left many in a state of joyful nostalgia, a life that carried an endless vibrancy. The Deputy Prime Minister commended her primarily as an individual of significance, remembering the former minister.
“Governmental leadership is filled with numerous remarkable personas, yet it is rare to find those who shone so vividly and persistently,” Martin addressed the gathering. “Few leave an enduring warmth and a significant mark due to their personal interaction with the public.”
Since the announcement of her demise, there has been much chatter about “Mammy O’Rourke” from individuals who weren’t present to comprehend that such a nickname, particularly used by men more than women, would be ill-advised to say to her directly.
Mary was a formidable and stern political figure in a highly masculine domain. In addition to that, she held the audacity to carry a sense of humour and a mind of her own. This was clearly acknowledged by her party’s leader.
“Indeed, she was a national figure of note, a masterful and contemporary communicator,” affirmed the Deputy Prime Minister. “Someone who received warm welcomes and applause from all corners of our nation. However, these accolades hold mere transient prominence. What really matters is that she was a person of profound essence – a political trailblazer who retired from public office leaving a lasting impact on her community and country.”
Sacred symbols, that depicted Mary’s life, were brought to the altar by her six grandchildren. This act revealed a great deal.
A photograph of Mary and her husband Enda, her one great love.
The book she penned following her exit from politics, which quickly became a top seller, enhanced no doubt by the 47 book signing events she held across the country for ‘Just Mary’.
A Connacht rugby jersey, indicative of her fervent support for the team. She held a particular fondness for Bundee Aki.
Her mobile phone, as explained by the main celebrant, Father Pat Murphy, symbolised her unending love for conversation.
Among other things, a daily newspaper, usually read before breakfast, and a Fianna Fáil flag.
“All of us felt as though we truly knew Mary O’Rourke,” stated Fr Murphy.
In honour of her passing, many who truly knew her paid their tributes at her Sunday night vigil, including Taoiseach Simon Harris and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Paschal Donohoe.
The following day at noon, a reunion of the previous Fianna Fáil coalition was staged at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace’s entrance. The assembly could’ve brought back recollections of the times of the Fianna Fáil marquee, albeit with the absence of overburdened magnates, alcohol, and high-spirited auctioneers.
Mary, truth be told, did not partake in the legendary “tint” in Galway, a characteristic she shared with Micheál. Bertie Ahern, however, had privately expressed his condolences to the family following Mary’s demise. Sources close to the matter divulged that Bertie was likely in India.
Among the earliest to arrive were the Haughey family – Eimear, Ciarán, and Seán, who intends to retire from national politics after the next election.
On a related note, Mary’s son stated that her mother, politically active until her last breath and hinted that she had died harbouring curiosity about the timing of the upcoming general election.
“In the last days of her life, the thing that truly bothered her was: ‘So, when’s the election? Is it November or February?”
Throughout, Fianna Fáil’s leader, Micheál, remained unrevealing.
Former EU commissioner and ex-finance minister Ray MacSharry welcomed old friends in the churchyard, while former ministers Mary Coughlan, Dermot Ahern, Tom Kitt and Ned O’Keefe exchanged anecdotes. The Ceann Comhairle, who spans both generations, would have recognisable faces like Minister for Education Norma Foley and Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly from the current front bench. Other politicians present included Minister of State Thomas Byrne, TDs Niamh Smyth, Paul McAuliffe, Cormac Devlin and Robert Troy, and Senators Eugene Murphy and Mary Fitzpatrick.
Feargal, Mary’s oldest son, emphasised that his mother had lived a fruitful, long life. Her death signified the closure of a chapter both for Athlone and the Fianna Fáil.
His fond memories of her final days brought laughter to those who had gathered.
The medical staff at the elderly care home had coined her the nickname ‘Lazarus’, following the numerous occasions where Mary, ever resilient, bounced back from near-death experiences. Around seven months prior, he’d received an urgent call to hurry to her side as she had seemingly reached her final hours.
Rushing to be with her, they found Mary unconscious in her bed. But to their surprise, as the doctor checked on her with his stethoscope, she opened her eyes wide. Inquiring about his actions with a bold voice, she startled him. When asked how she felt, her response was simply, “I’m fine.” Surprised, the doctor asked her to wiggle her toes. Unamused, Mary shot back, “Why don’t you wiggle your own toes!”
Taking to Feargal privately outside, the doctor expressed his astonishment at this unexpected turn; according to him, she was supposed to have already passed on. But Mary was alert enough to call out, “What are they discussing out there?”
When she eventually passed away last week at 87, befitting her unique charm, it was reported that “she departed at three in the afternoon, just perfectly timed for the six o’clock news”. Mary O’Rourke had a presence in politics spanning four decades, she was a pioneer. When she stepped foot in Leinster House in 1981, she was there for more than just a headcount, insisted the Tánaiste.
Those who attended her funeral acknowledged one thing: Mary O’Rourke, a woman of great significance, would have appreciated this.