TRIBUTES TO THE LATE BERNARD MCGLINCHEY – FORMER MEMBER OF SEANAD ÉIREANN
Today is a sad occasion of reflection on the life and contributions of the late Former Senator, Councillor and Businessman Bernard Mc Glinchey who sadly passed away on the 11th April 2013.
Bernard spent almost five decades as a member of Donegal County Council and Letterkenny Town Council as well as over 20 years as a member of Seanad Éireann. Bernard served in the 09th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 15th Seanad between 1961 and 1983. As a businessman he founded the Golden Grill Nightclub in Letterkenny. During his Business days Bernard provided much needed local employment. He was a member of the North Western Health Board and also served for a period as a member of the Council of Europe.
A big and burly character whose immense physical presence was matched with his oratorical power. Bernard was a very strong political figure not only in Donegal but indeed nationally during some of the most turbulent political days the State has endured.
Bernard indeed holds a very distinct record of speaking for 8.5 hours in this house on the 18th May 1975 during a debate on the Criminal Law (Jurisdiction) Bill 1975.
Bernard was a great community man and above all was most at home in his native Letterkenny. His huge contribution to the development of Donegal’s Primary town is today there for all to see. He was deeply involvement in the development of Letterkenny General Hospital, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, the decentralisation of Part of the Social Welfare Office to Letterkenny and the acquisition of land beside St Conal’s Hospital for a Town Park, which opened in 1999 and was named after Bernard.
Bernard was an extremely determined and dedicated Public Representative who was always available to assist individuals, families and communities in County Donegal.
His life’s labours are now at a close. His final resting place is in Conwal on the Churchill Road outside his beloved Letterkenny. The political battles and arguments are faded away into memory. Instead the legacy of men and women like Bernard Mc Glinchey is the fundamental guiding commitment to the idea of public service.
Those who answer the call to work for the greater good in public life can draw inspiration form the example of the noble endeavour of those who have gone before.
I trust that the Kathleen, the Mc Glinchey Family, and his wide circle of friends draw strength from the knowledge of that lasting imprint in the face of their personal loss.
AR DHEIS DÉ GO RAIBH A ANAM
ENDS.
Posted: Nov 27, 2013 | Categories: Uncategorized