It was with great shock and sadness that I learned today of the death of Denis Lyons, former Minister and TD. Denis was a long-standing friend and colleague whose advice and comradeship I have enjoyed since we first met while I was a student at UCC. Denis was a tireless representative and advocate for his community and his constituency. This energy and commitment continued until his death – I was delighted to campaign alongside him in the recent local elections as he engaged with the people of Blarney on behalf of Bob Ryan. Denis was first elected to Dáil Éireann from Cork North Central in 1981 and was then elected continuously until 1992. He served as Minister of State for the Marine and also as Minister of State for Tourism and Transport. Denis was first elected to Cork County Council for the Cork Rural Local Electoral Area in 1974 and served for many years as the party’s Group Leader. Denis’ passion for gaelic games and Irish culture was deep rooted and an inspiration to many people. He was also a keen supporter of the Irish language. He was a great representative of his community in the truest sense of that phrase and his departure leaves a gap that will be very difficult to fill. On behalf of myself and the entire national Fianna Fáil organisation, I want to express deepest sympathy to Denis’ wife Kathleen, their six children and entire family circle at this very difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Posted on: Mon, 07 Jul 2014 15:41:48 +0000
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