Bernard Allen was 'a truly genuine person who wanted to make a difference', funeral hears
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The family of the former Lord Mayor of Cork, Minister of State and Cork North Central TD, Bernard Allen, said they are immensely proud of the impact he had on the lives of his constituents and the country over his long and distinguished political career.
His daughter Lorraine paid an emotional tribute to him from the altar as hundreds of people attended his Requiem mass at the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Anne in Cork on Wednesday.
He died peacefully, following a short illness, in Cork University Hospital on Saturday with his family at his bedside. He was 79.
“Dad always had a massive respect for his constituents and they had respect for him,” Lorraine said.
“What was always lovely for us to hear when we were out canvassing in the numerous local and general elections was the true impact he had on people.
“They would start by saying absolutely we will give him our number one and there was always a story about the difference he made to them and they were very grateful for.
“He took an interest in people, he listened and always wanted to help in whatever way he could. Hearing that gratitude made us realise what an amazing person he was outside of the special dad we already knew we had.
“He was a truly genuine person who wanted to make a difference and we were so very proud of him.”
A native of Blarney Street on Cork’s northside and educated at the North Monastery and UCC, Mr Allen was elected to Cork Corporation in 1979, retaining his seat on the local authority until 1995.
His grandfather, James Allen, was Lord Mayor of Cork in 1942 and Mr Allen followed in his footsteps when he was elected Lord Mayor of his native city from 1988 to 1989.
His uncle, the late Alderman Sammy Allen, also served on Cork Corporation until his passing in 1977.
Mr Allen was elected to Dáil Éireann in 1981 and was re-elected over the next eight general elections, holding the seat for Fine Gael in Cork North Central for 30 years.
During his time in national politics, he chaired the Public Accounts Committee, was minister of state for youth and sport and was minister of state for the environment during the Rainbow Coalition under John Bruton between 1994 and 1997. He retired from politics in 2011, aged 66.
Upon retirement, he remained involved and interested in politics, taking an active interest in the recent local elections.
His wife, Marie, and their children, Lorraine, Audrey and Deirdre, were chief mourners at his requiem Mass which was attended by Lord Mayor Cllr Dan Boyle, assistant chief executive of Cork City Council Brian Geaney, Taoiseach Simon Harris, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, and Ministers of State Colm Burke and Patrick O’Donovan.
President Michael D Higgins was represented by Col Stephen Howard. Chief Celebrant of the Mass was Bishop Noel O’Regan SMA, a retired bishop and friend of the Allen family who is living in the parish.
Bishop of Cork and Ross, Fintan Gavin was in attendance and the Mass was co-celebrated by Fr Christy Fitzgerald, Fr Cian O’Sullivan, Fr John O’Donovan, Fr Declan Mansfield and Fr John Manley. Bishop Emeritus Dr John Buckley was also there.
Mr Allen's grandchildren brought a number of symbols to the altar representing his life, including a treasured family photograph, a book on Irish politics and a Munster rugby jersey.
In her tribute, Lorraine said that to the world, her father was the politician Bernard Allen. But to them, he was "a devoted husband and a treasured dad".
“For such a public figure, he was a very private family person," she said. “Politics was always left at the front door and he loved being home with my mum Marie, myself Audrey and Deirdre.
She said they were an "incredibly close" family who celebrated "every occasion possible".
“At a national level, he enjoyed sparring with colleagues across the political divide, and his time as chair of the Public Accounts Committee.
“Many have acknowledged his astute political mind and sought out his advice long after he retired.”
She said he relished his appointment as Minister for Sport in the 1990s and that he believed in grassroots sports development.
"He was a very doting dad with the patience of a saint — which was necessary in a house full of women,” she said.
And he doted on his grandchildren — and his loss has left the entire family bereft, she said.
However, she said they have drawn comfort from the many tributes paid to him in recent days and the realisation of just what he meant to Cork.
"Dad, we are beyond heartbroken to have lost you. Thanks for instilling such values in us which will always be your legacy as we pass them down to your grandchildren,” she said.
Bishop O’Regan said Mr Allen was a man of great loyalty and a true sportsman all of his life.
“When our time to go comes, we have to leave everything behind us. All that we can take is the good that we have done in life, and Bernard has done many good things.
“He has a lot to take with him, many things that we remember, but what is more important, things that are remembered by God.”