A book of condolence will be opened in City Hall in Cork tomorrow

HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for Mairin Quill who died peacefully today after a “long illness bravely borne”.

The former TD, Senator and Councillor for Cork North Central was surrounded by her loving family as she passed away at Marymount University Hospital & Hospice.

A Requiem Mass will be held on Saturday at 10am in St. Patrick’s Church, Lower Glanmire Road, Co Cork.

The burial will follow afterwards at St. Garvan’s Cemetery , Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry.

Her loved ones have requested family flowers only but donations can be made to Marymount Hospice if desired.

A book of condolence will be opened in City Hall in Cork tomorrow.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin remembered Mairin for her passion for the arts and culture.

He said: “I was deeply, deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Máirín Quill, someone who served the people of Cork with great distinction as a city councillor, senator and a deputy in Dail Eireann.

“Erudite and impactful, Mairin championed the arts and culture in the city of Cork.

“I served on many boards with her, but I particularly enjoyed our time together on the arts committee of Cork Corporation.

“Mairin was a true renaissance figure with a great sense of the future of our city.

“She was always very helpful in providing advice and creative ideas.

‘TRUE PATRIOT’

“She was a true patriot and it was an honour to be her friend and colleague.

“My deepest sympathies go to all her family and friends.”

Tributes flooded in online for the former school teacher and Senator.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of her passing.

He said: “Mairin was a valued member of what was then known as Cork Corporation whose warmth, wisdom, and dedication touched the lives of many.”

He told how her contributions and kindness will be remembered with “great respect and affection”.

HER LEGACY

The Lord Mayor continued: “Her legacy — as educator, legislator, and local champion, especially of the arts and culture — will resonate for generations.

“Her integrity, kindness, and unwavering commitment enriched this city and the lives of so many people. She will be profoundly missed.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with her family and all who were touched by her life.”

Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher recalled her passion for the rebel county.

He said: “Mairin Quill was not just a constituency colleague, she was a friend of mine, and I will miss her now that she has passed away.

“While we shared the constituency of Cork North Central, and competed for votes, I can truthfully say I don’t think we ever shared a bad word between us.

‘FONDLY REMEMBERED’

“Mairin loved Cork City but in particular the Northside of Cork where she served with distinction as a councillor.”

Kelleher told how the pair served together for nine years in the Oireachtas and how he grew to “respect and admire her deeply”.

He continued: “She will be fondly remembered by the thousands of students she taught in her lifetime.

“She had an amazing ability to communicate with young people, and to get them to open up about their hopes, dreams and ambitions.

“In her role as a teacher, she contributed greatly to the education system on Cork’s Northside.

“My sympathies to her family, especially her nephews Brian and Raymond, on the loss of their dear aunt.

‘DECADES OF SERVICE’

“I will miss our regular chats either on Wellington Road or in the English Market.

“Mairin was an Irish patriot who loved her city and her country.”

Cork TD Ken O’Flynn remembered Mairin for her kindness, wisdom and generosity.

He said: “Mairin gave decades of service to Cork.

“She served as a city councillor, TD and Senator with integrity, warmth and quiet determination.

“She cared deeply about Cork North Central and about public life done well.

‘LASTING MARK’

“Her advocacy for the arts, culture and education left a lasting mark on this city.

“She also held a special personal place for me. Mairin worked closely with my father in Leinster House.

“I later had the privilege of serving with her, briefly but memorably, on Cork City Council.

“I will always remember her kindness, her wisdom and her generosity of spirit.

“Cork has lost a committed public servant and a decent, principled woman. She will be missed.

“My thoughts and sympathies are with her family, friends and all who knew her.”