THE closing words in John O’Leary’s excellent political memoirs, On The Doorsteps, were very apt, his son, Denis, told the congregation at the former TD’s funeral Mass this Thursday morning.
“If I could write my epitaph,” the late John wrote, “I would like to be remembered as someone who did his best for his constituency and its people, whether they ever voted for me or not.”
He added: “I hope that the good that I did will live after me and any mistakes will be buried with my bones.”
Spontaneous applause filled St Mary’s Cathedral when Denis remarked that his father would be remembered as someone who did his best in every way all through his long political career.
“He was a public servant that enjoyed politics. I know the amount of time he put into service and the sacrifices he made.
“He always thought about others and he would never, ever say a bad word about anyone, political opponents or anybody,” Denis said.
He said he believed his father, who retired in 1997 at the age of 64, would have continued in active politics for much longer if it wasn’t for the sudden death of his wife, Judy, in 1989.
“She was his rock. The foundation stone of the family. Her death blew his world apart,” Denis reflected.
Earlier, principal celebrant, Fr Niall Howard, noted that the late John was associated with many major projects, including Valentia bridge, Kerry Airport, the decentralisation of the Department of Justice to Killarney and the development of schools, hospitals, roads and housing.
But the bulk of his work was in clinics, filling forms, giving advice, offering hope and empathy to those people who sat on the stairs of his home waiting for their turn to seek his assistance.
“He was never blinded by the big projects. He held the bigger picture. It was not about the next election but about the next generation,” Fr Howard said.
“In politics, you might get through once on empty promises but you need to deliver consistently to hold your seat consistently,” he added.
He said although he spent years in the corridors of power, it is in the family home that John will be most missed.
“Rest well John. After all the other doorsteps that you stood on, now you stand on heaven’s doorstep. May you find a first preference there and may you rest in peace,” Fr Howard remarked.
The attendance at the funeral included the President’s aide-de-camp, Cmdt Louise Condon, Fianna Fail leader Micheál Martin and former Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, who delivered a moving graveside oration at Aghadoe Cemetery.
