Ex-Fianna Fail MEP Brian Crowley dies aged 61 as Taoiseach leads tributes to ‘hugely impressive individual’

FORMER Fianna Fail MEP Brian Crowley has died aged 61.

The Cork man, who had been unwell for some time, died early this morning at Cork University Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment.

It is understood he had been suffering health complications resulting from a childhood accident that left him paralysed from the waist down.

Mr Crowley served as a Member of the European Parliament for the South constituency from 1994 to 2019.

He topped the poll in each of the European elections he contested in before retiring from active politics in 2019.

He fell out with current Taoiseach Micheal Martin when he failed to secure the Fianna Fail leader’s support for the party’s nomination to run for the presidency in 2011.

He later withdrew his candidature for the nomination.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has led the tributes to Mr Crowley, saying he was a “hugely impressive individual” who was “deeply committed” to his community and his country.

The Fianna Fail leader said: “It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Brian Crowley. 

“Brian was a hugely impressive individual.  Coming from a family steeped in public service, Taoiseach Albert Reynolds recognised his talents and nominated him to Seanad Eireann in 1993.

“After just a year in that role, he sought election to the European Parliament for the Munster constituency and was not only elected, but topping the poll in a stunning victory.

“That relationship with his voters only became stronger over his years of dedicated and energetic service and he went on to top the poll in each of the three subsequent elections he contested, attracting truly extraordinary levels of support.”

Martin said Crowley’s vote was “testament” to the “truly strong bond” between him and the people he represented.

‘HE HAD NO EQUAL’

He continued: “Without question he was one of the great vote getters of the modern political era.  He had no equal.

“He was also an impactful legislator in the European Parliament and was extremely popular with parliamentarians and officials throughout the European Union.

“Paralysed by an accident when he was 16, Brian demonstrated incredible personal resilience and strength of character. 

“With great natural musical ability and a fantastic outgoing personality, he was the life and soul of many Fianna Fail Ard Fheiseanna and thrilled many on the musical scene in Shanleys in Clonakilty for many years.”

Martin told how Crowley was also a person of deep personal faith, which was profoundly important to him as he struggled with complications arising from his disability in his later years.

He added: “His loss will be felt deeply by his mother Sally, his family, his large circle of friends and all his former colleagues.”

‘WONDERFUL FRIEND’

Fianna Fail TD for Cork North Central Padraig O’Sullivan said he was “truly shocked” to hear of the passing of “the legend that was Brian Crowley”.

He continued: “He was always there for advice on the other end of the phone. He will be missed greatly within the Fianna Fail family and beyond.”

Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn said the news of Crowley’s passing has left him “deeply saddened”.

He added: “Brian was a wonderful friend and a thoroughly decent man. Kind, thoughtful, and a true gentleman in public life.

“He treated people with respect and warmth, regardless of politics.

“Cork, and Ireland, are poorer for his loss. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.”

Fianna Fail TD for Cork North West, Michael Moynihan, told how Crowley was an “exceptional friend and colleague”.

He said: “Brian was a wonderful friend and mentor to us when we started out, in the first election I stood in he was a inspiration and we have been great friends since.

“Brian thank you for all your support and help we treasure the memories of the many great days we had together! May you rest in eternal peace.”