The late Bernard Corcoran Widespread grief occasioned by the death of former Fine Gael councillor, Mr Bernard Corcoran. Mr Corcoran became a member of Offaly Co. Council in 1965, following the death of his father, also Bernard, and on his retirement was succeeded by his daughter, Cllr Marcella Corcoran-Kennedy. Laois/Offaly Fine Gael Deputy, Olwyn Enright, praised the "loyalty and commitment" of Mr Corcoran, when she delivered the graveside oration at his funeral in Ferbane. Simply known as Barney to everyone in West Offaly, Deputy Enright described him as 'a gentleman to the last'. The Dail representative said Barney Corcoran "packed everything possible into life" during his 68 years. "A big man in every way, tall and strong in stature, a happy man. always smiling, seeing the bright side of life, who took life in his stride" she said, adding that he bore his final illness "with the same dignity he carried through his life". Having returned from England to run the family butcher shop with his wife, Kay, Deputy Enright recalled how the butchers counter in Corcoran's "doubled as daily clinic for the people of the area" when Barney became a member of Offaly's County Council in 1965. "Barney was old style, he worked hard for his area and for Offaly ... and when he spoke in the County Chamber, he always stood up to speak, people paid attention because, while he spoke from the heart, he did so with common sense and he meant what he said" said Deputy Enright. Recalling his love for Ferbane, Deputy Enright said "when Barney mentioned Ferbane, his eyes lit up, it meant so much to him, and it gave him great pride to represent Ferbane for 35 years and then to see his daughter, Marcella, elected after him". With reference to his loyalty and commitment to the Fine Gael party, Deputy Enright said he was "as loyal a member of Fine Gael as you could hope to meet ... he was very much a party man and he worked hard for Fine Gael." She recalled how he always asked if there were 'any developments in the party' right up to when Deputy Enright visited him in hospital. "To him, loyalty mattered , and if you were involved in something, it should be wholehearted" she added. To canvass around Ferbane with Barney Corcoran was "a pleasure" said Deputy Enright "he knew everyone and was warmly welcomed at every door ... he had a word for everyone and they for him...he was great company and great fun...and he knew how to enjoy life." Deputy Enright said Barney Corcoran's wife, Kay, and his family were "the most important part of his life, and he spoke lovingly of each of them." She also recalled how he played football for Ferbane and was a keen follower of both the hurling and football fortunes of his native Offaly. He also took great pleasure from his land, tending his vegetables garden and looking after his greyhounds. "We will all miss him, his kindness, gentleness, his words of advice, his helping hand, his friendly word" said Deputy Enright, who said his loss would be most profoundly felt by his widow, Kay, sons and daughters, Marcella, Niall, Bernard, Cathy, Maria and Ronan and by his extended family and many loyal friends and political colleagues. Mr Corcoran remains were laid to rest in High St Cemetery following the celebration of Solemn Requiem Mass in Ferbane Church. Chief celebrant was Rev. Fr Frankie Murray and he was assisted by Rev. Fr Pierre Pepper. Deceased had a great love for the High St. and Belmont area, where he had lived for a number of years, and had purchased a plot in the local cemetery over 30 years ago. The high esteem with which he was held in political circles and in the community was shown by the large and representative attendance at his obsequies. Among those from the world of politics in attendance were Minister of Finance , Brian Cowen, Minister of State, Tom Parlon, Deputy Olywn Enright former Dail Deputies Tom Enright and Charlie Flanagan, Avril Doyle MEP, Senator Noel Coonan, Senator James Bannon, Senator Fergal Browne, Senator Sheila Terry, Senator Paul Coghlan, Senator Michael Finucane, Senator Paddy Burke, Senator Pat Moylan, Senator John Paul Phelan, Cllr Mark Nugent, Chairman of the Midland Regional Authority, Cllr Ger Killally, Chairman Offaly Co. Council and a large number of county and town councillors from Offaly and throughout the country. The Fine Gael party organisation itself was represented by General Secretary, Tom Curran while there was also representatives of the FG Executive Council and staff, the FG Women's Group and the FG Council of Local representative Executive. To his wife Kay, his sons and daughters, Marcella, Niall, Bernard, Cathy, Maria and Ronan, brothers and sisters, grandchildren, relatives, neighbours and friends the deepest sympathy is extended. Courtesy of the Midland Tribune 24 January 2007 Tweet

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