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MLA Justin McNulty has paid tribute to Dr Rory O'Hanlon, the politician and doctor who died 31 March. McNulty was speaking at the Stormont Assembly on Monday 13 April following Dr O'Hanlon's funeral in Mullaghbawn on Easter Sunday.
Dr O'Hanlon was a TD for Cavan Monaghan for 34 years from 1977 to 2011 and during that time he was Minister for Social Welfare, Minister for Health and Minister for the Environment, also taking the role of Ceann Comhairle from 2002 to 2007
The MLA explained that although he made his home in Carrickmacross, he was a proud Mullaghbawn native who never forgot his roots or the people he grew up with. The Taoiseach Micheál Martin gave the oration at the graveside of Dr O'Hanlon following his funeral mass at St Mary's Church in Mullaghbawn.
McNulty recalled the personal items placed on Dr O'Hanlon's coffin as he reposed at his home: a family picture, an Armagh GAA woolly hat and a Mullaghbawn Cúchullain's woolly hat, reflecting a man who remained loyal to his county and his home place throughout his life.
Speaking in the Assembly, the MLA described Dr O'Hanlon as "a trusted friend and mentor," adding: "His support and counsel will be sorely missed, as will his energy, his enthusiasm and his shining integrity. I will miss that sparkle in his eyes."
Dr O'Hanlon was described as a solid friend of the SDLP over many years. "Alongside his cousin the late Paddy O'Hanlon, who was a founder member of the SDLP, he worked tirelessly to ensure the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. He achieved the highest positions in political life but remained anchored in his constituency, forging a warm bond with the people of Monaghan and Cavan, whom he represented with strength and enthusiasm for more than a generation. He had time, a word and warmth for everyone whom he met." McNulty said.
He continued "As a gifted doctor, Rory was a caring and empathetic man who sought to improve the lives of his patients and his community. As Minister for Health, Rory made improvements to the system that benefited people in their day-to-day lives. He fought for fairness and for the marginalised, especially for children and the families of children with special needs. As Ceann Comhairle, he conducted Dáil business with fairness and evenness of hand, which was appreciated by all sides of the House."
The Newry and Armagh MLA extended sympathies to his wife Teresa, their children Fiona, Rory, Ardal, Neale, Shane and Dearbhla, his sister Sister Fionnuala, and to his wider family, friends and his Fianna Fáil family, concluding with the tribute: "I measc na Naomh go raibh sé."
