Calleary pays tribute following death of former Ballina councillor

Minister of State Dara Calleary TD has paid tribute to former Fianna Fáil member of Mayo County Council Geraldine Bourke who sadly passed away on Tuesday.

A native of Abbey Street, Ballina, Geraldine Bourke lived in Coolcran, Ballina and served as a member of Mayo County Council for the Ballina Electoral Area from 1994 to 1999.

Minister Calleary expressed his condolences to Geraldine's family saying that that was a lot of sadness in the region with news of her passing.

“On my own behalf and on behalf of Fianna Fáil I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. Geraldine was a very effective member of Mayo County Council serving the Ballina Electoral Area. She was very focussed on the job, very unassuming and got on with the work of serving her community in a quiet, effective manner.

“She helped a huge number of individuals and families during that time and while she was a resident of Coolcran and served the Ardagh/Knockmore area, she was also a very proud Abbey Street native who always maintained her connections in town and Ardnaree and was always very supportive of projects in the town of Ballina,” he said.

Former Mayo County Councillor Geraldine Bourke who passed away on Tuesday

Ms Bourke was co-opted onto the Council following the death of her husband, Padraic who had served as a councillor since 1979. She did not seek re-election in the 1999 local elections and Minister Calleary said the Bourke family have served the public with distinction.

“She has left a huge and lasting legacy and her loss will be deeply mourned because Geraldine was involved in many organisations helping people in many ways. As a family the Bourke Family have served the community for generations with Geraldine’s late husband Padraic also having served on Mayo County Council – we as a community and deeply indebted to them both for their commitment and dedication to their community.

“To her daughters Deirdre, Orla and Niamh, to her son Tom, sister Patsy, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and many relations and friends, I extend my deepest sympathy because while we as a community will feel her loss, it is her family who will mourn her most,” he concluded.

The remains of Geraldine Bourke will arrive to St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina, on Thursday morning for 11.30am for Requiem Mass followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.