Bacik expresses sympathy at death of former Labour Senator Michael Calnan

Labour Party Leader Ivana Bacik TD has expressed her sympathy to the family, friends and constituents of former Labour Party Senator and councillor for Cork South-West, Michael Calnan, on his passing this week.

Deputy Bacik said:

“Michael Calnan served in the long tradition of Labour representatives from West Cork and Dunmanway and I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew, and served with him. A life-long party member, he was a central figure in the local Labour organisation.

“A long serving councillor, first elected in the Skibbereen electoral area in 1974, Michael served as Cathaoirleach of Cork County Council on two occasions in 1988 and then 1992. He contested several general elections, flying the Labour flag, and was elected to the Seanad on the Agricultural panel in January 1993. In the Seanad and on Cork County Council, he was known for his meticulous attention to detail and standing orders when chairing meetings.

“As a secondary school vice principal and politician his entire career was one devoted to public service and the community of West Cork locally and nationally.

“I want to express my sincere sympathy to the Calnan family and in particular his cousin the former Labour TD for Cork South-West Michael McCarthy who loses a friend and mentor. I know he was a staunch support to Michael and was centrally involved in the 2011 campaign, winning back a Labour Dáil seat last held by Michael Pat Murphy in 1981.

“Ar dheis De go raibh a anam”.