Former TD, minister and MEP Tom O’Donnell dies
Following the sad death of his brother, Dr Martin O’Donnell earlier in the week, the O’Donnell family along with Fine Gael members and the general public were mourning the loss of former Limerick Fine Gael TD, Minister and MEP Tom O’Donnell (94), who died suddenly at home on Friday last. Many tributes have been paid on his stellar, dedicated public service to the people of Limerick, Munster and Ireland over three decades.
Born on August 30,1926 the eldest of eight children to Patrick and Josephine O’Donnell, the Kilmallock native was a member of a high-profile political family.
A man of deep faith with a great love of family, Mr O’Donnell was educated at the Convent of Mercy and Boys National School in Cappamore and later at Crescent College, Limerick, CBS Charleville and Copsewood College, Pallaskenry. His third level education took him to St Patrick’s College, Thurles and UCD, where he obtained a B.A. degree.
He taught at several Dublin schools in his relatively short teaching career and worked with Canon Hayes in Muintir na Tire, editing their journal ‘Landmark’ for three years, before returning to Limerick for what turned out to be a stellar political life.
He was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1961 for the then 4-seat Limerick East constituency and remained a full-time public representative until his retirement in 1989. He had been returned to Dáil Éireann in eight general elections, though losing out in 1987 when Des O’Malley and the PDs were at their zenith, especially in Limerick.
His popularity and hard work was marked by increased first preference votes practically at each election - 3,367 (1961), 6,253 (1965), 6,438 (1969), 6,841 (1973), 6,571 (1977) - being one of the 4 constituency TDs (now returning 5 TDs) elected on each occasion; 9,915 (1981), 8,514 (Feb., 1982), 9,058 (Nov., 1982) and 2,968 (1987).
He was elected to the European Parliament in June, 1979 for the Munster constituency, retaining his seat in 1984 with an increased vote that helped ensure the election of party colleague, Professor Tom Raftery.
Regarded as being on the right wing of the party, Tom was promoted to the Fine Gael front bench as Transport, Power and Tourism Spokesman following the 1969 general election and was appointed Minister for the Gaeltacht following the 1973 general election by then Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave, and impressed in that role.
Appointed spokesperson on Transport and Communications in October 1977, following on from the government’s defeat, a position he lost on his election to the European Parliament. Under the dual mandate system in place then, he and fellow MEP Richie
Ryan, were recalled to the front bench by Garret FitzGerald in January 1981, following grassroots dis-satisfaction with the performance of the front bench. He was disappointed not to be re-appointed to the new Coalition Government in July, 1981 and retired ahead of the 1989 European / General Election, bringing an end to a significant political career.
Mr O’Donnell continued to play a prominent role in the voluntary sector, including the Irish Peace Institute at the University of Limerick, the Paul Partnership, Limerick City & County Strategy Group and the Limerick Employment Pact.
In 2001, Tom was honoured by Limerick County Council and in 2005 by Limerick City Council with civic receptions and special presentations to mark the completion of half a century of political and voluntary service to the people of Limerick city and county. He was also awarded the Schuman Medal by the European People’s Party (Christian Democrat Group).
Tom is survived by his wife Helen (O’Connor), son Thomas, brothers Frank, PJ and sisters Bernadette (Boner) and Millie (Boyle), nephews (one of whom is Limerick FG TD Kieran O’Donnell) and nieces (including Orna Cogan, Glanworth), to whom we extend our sincere sympathy.