Council tributes following death of senator

By Sean O’Riordan

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

CORK county councillors adjourned a scheduled meeting yesterday as a mark of respect to former colleague, Senator Peter Callanan, who died suddenly, on Sunday, at his home in Innishannon.

However, before adjourning, many tributes were made to the pipe-smoking 74-year-old who served on the local authority from 1979 to 2004.

FF party leader on the council, Alan Coleman, said the senator’s death was very sad and proposed a vote of sympathy to his wife, Sheila, and family.

"He was a very forthright contributor to debates in this council and I learned a lot from him. Peter was first elected to the Senate in 1997 and made his mark there as chairman of the agricultural committee. He was an excellent orator and commanded attention when he spoke.

Mr Coleman said Mr Callanan had been a stalwart within the party.

"Peter fought a serious bout of cancer but always bore it with great dignity," he said.

Cllr Michael Hegarty, FG leader on the council, said he and Peter Callanan were often involved in heated debates "but always shook hands at the end of the day".

"I will always remember him smoking the pipe. He had a major problem with the smoking ban when it came into the chamber," Mr Hegarty said. "He was a person who believed in local politics and the local government structure and fought for it tooth and nail," he added.

The council’s Labour leader Paula Desmonddescribed him "as a man of immense courage" who had a great sense ofhumour.

"He was a fearlessdebater, but at the end of it always managed to stay friends with everyone in the chamber. He would talk to and help people from all parties. Hewas very fair and open-minded.

"I remember visiting him in hospital and he was smoking a cigar. Peter was absolutely adamant that he was going to enjoy what he liked," she added.

Cllr Noel Collins, for the independents, said he and Mr Callanan went to school in Mount Melleray, Co Waterford.

"I pray he is enjoying the peace of heaven," Mr Collins said.

Cllr Kevin Murphy (FG) served with Mr Callanan for many years and recalled a man who spoke with clarity and elegance.

"He was completely committed to his colleagues and his family. He would defend his views with a great deal of passion," he said.

The Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Derry Canty said the late senator "put his heart and soul into council business".

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Tuesday, October 13, 2009