The funeral for former Fianna Fáil minister and distinguished female figurehead in Ireland’s male-centric political scene, Mary O’Rourke, was a testament to her impactful personality and resilience. This was highlighted by Fr Patrick O’Connor during his sermon at the mass. As he remarked, Mary’s influence stretched far due to her engaging speeches and writings which educated, prodded, and amused with her witty charm.
Mary’s illustrious public life was marked by significant roles such as education, public enterprise, and health minister, senator and TD, until her passing at the respected age of 87 last Thursday. At her memorial mass, held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Coosan, Athlone, a procession of political notables including President Michael D Higgins and Tánaiste Micheál Martin were in attendance. Commandant Claire Mortimer Aide De Camp was also present on behalf of Taoiseach Simon Harris.
The service featured a touching tribute from her six grandchildren Sam, Jennifer, Luke, Sarah, James, and Scott, who presented several cherished items including a picture of Mary with her departed husband Enda, a Fianna Fáil flag, her autobiography, and even a rugby jersey, a phone, and a newspaper, symbolising “her unquenchable thirst for dialogue”.
Growing up in a politically-engaged family, Mary’s future path seemed destined in the same direction. Born Mary Lenihan in Athlone, she set up home in Arcadia with her husband Enda, where she taught English, history and French at the local secondary school, Saint Joseph’s, Summerhill. In the words of Fr O’Connor, it wasn’t a shock that she opted for politics, walking the same path as her father and brothers. In fact, Mary was actually the first female to get elected to Athlone Urban District Council in 1974, at a time when women’s representation in politics was the exception rather than the rule.
However, it wasn’t just her political prowess that marked Mary’s life. As Fr O’Cornner highlighted, what truly mattered to her was her family. Her unwavering devotion to her beloved husband Enda, her children, and grandchildren was undebatable. Following Enda’s death, it left a perceptible hollow in her existence.
The funeral mass was co-officiated by Bishop of Ardagh & Clonmacnois, Paul Connell. The late Ms O’Rourke’s final resting place will be the Coosan cemetery.