The former TD for Cork North-West passed away after a long illness
By Taylor Mulligan
Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD has said that he is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of his former colleague and good friend, Donál Moynihan.
The former TD passed away surrounded by family after battling illness for some time.
Mr Moynihan was a TD for the Cork North-West constituency from 1982 to 1989 and 1992 to 2007 and was a lifelong member of Fianna Fáil.
He was first elected to Cork County Council in 1970, being co-opted to fill the council seat held by his father Jamie since the foundation of the state.
Two of Donál’s children followed his lead and also took huge roles in their community.
Son Aindrias became a TD in Cork North-West, and his daughter Gobnait joined Cork County Council.
Commenting on his passing, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of my very good friend, Donál Moynihan.
“Donál was a passionate and deeply committed public representative. His service to and love of his community was deeply impressive and unmatched.
The Taoiseach added that Donál was a proud Gort na Scairte man and was rooted in his community, noting that the Cork Gaeltacht and its history, heritage and language shaped him.
Irish was Donál’s first language, a language he loved and which he spoke with great richness and pride.
“He loved his native Gaeltacht community and worked tirelessly throughout his public life to improve the lives of those in this community and wider constituency.
“Donál was passionate about community development and had an intimate knowledge of, and appreciation for, agriculture and its critical role in the lives of his community and its people.
“Today, as we mourn the loss of a valued party member and friend, I want to express my deepest sympathies to Donal’s wife Catherine, his family Máiréad, Séamus, Aindrias, Pádraig, Donal, Nora, Máire and Gobnait along with the wider Moynihan family.
Limerick City TD Willie O’Dea noted that Moynihan was a good friend of his who worked tirelessly of his constituents.
O’Dea added: “Donal was hugely respected by all sides in Leinster House and deservedly so.
“My sincere condolences to his wife Catherine and his children including my colleague Aindrias Moynihan TD. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h’anam dílis.”
Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins TD stated, “Donál was an outstanding public representative who always had the needs of people of his constituency and Ireland at the core of all his actions throughout his long political life.
“He provided a very strong voice in particular for the most vulnerable person in our society and his many contributions to Dail Eireann were on that exact topic.
“On behalf of Limerick Fianna Fail I wish to express our sincere sympathies to Donál’s family and community, may he rest in peace.”
