Council agrees naming honour recognition for late Mary O'Rourke
A call for a significant piece of local infrastructure to be named after the late Mary O'Rourke, in recognition of the public service contribution she made, was proposed by Cllr Paul Hogan at this month's meeting of the Athlone Moate Municipal District.
Raising the motion, Cllr Hogan said that it was only fitting that the late politician's contribution to public life would be recognised in her home town.
"First elected to serve the Athlone community in 1974, Mary O'Rourke became a commanding and well-respected figure in politics, serving a number of senior Ministerial roles and elected to Seanad Éireann on two occasions, serving as leader of the Senate from 2002-2007. Her political career spanned a number of decades during which time she also filled the role of deputy leader of Fianna Fáil.
"Mary O'Rourke made a positive impact to the infrastructure of Athlone during her time as a politician, so I think it would be fitting that her memory should be recognised by the Municipal District in recognition of her feats," Cllr Hogan said.
The councillor said he had a number of infrastructure locations in mind which could be named after the late political figure but his preference would be to speak with members of the family to gauge their interest before proceeding.
In advance of Cllr Hogan's motion, Mary O'Rourke's son, Cllr Aengus O'Rourke, excused himself from the council chamber for the duration of the discussion.
"There are numerous options which I have in mind both east and west of the River Shannon but we shouldn't proceed without speaking with the family members to gauge if they are interested in such a proposal," Cllr Hogan said.
Cllr Vinny McCormack stated that it was only fitting to honour the legacy of Mary O'Rourke in Athlone.
"Mary O'Rourke's contribution to Athlone was immense and it is only fair that she is recognised in this regard as soon as possible," Cllr McCormack said.
Concurring, Cllr Tom Farrell stated that Mary O'Rourke "broke the mould" in Irish politics and paved the way for more women to seek political election.
In response, a spokesperson for the council executive noted that the commemoration of the public service contribution that Mary O’Rourke made was a matter for the members' consideration.
"If the members have a particular piece of infrastructure in mind, a meeting can be arranged to discuss and agree on the specific proposal, prior to consultation with the family," the council spokesperson stated.
The well-known former politician passed away at the beginning of October last, at the age of 87, having spent the previous two years in residential care in Dublin.
Her funeral Mass in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Coosan was attended by a host of dignitaries, including President Michael D Higgins and current Taoiseach Micheál Martin.