Tributes paid after death of former Fianna Fáil MEP Brian Crowley, aged 61

Elected to the European Parliament five times between 1994 and 2014, the former MEP for Ireland South later stepped down in 2019.

He had been paralysed from the waist down following an accident at the age of 16.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he learned of Mr Crowley’s death with “great sadness”, describing him as “a hugely impressive individual”.

“Brian was a hugely impressive individual. Coming from a family steeped in public service, Taoiseach Albert Reynolds recognised his talents and nominated him to Seanad Éireann in 1993.

“After just a year in that role, he sought election to the European Parliament for the Munster constituency and was not only elected, but topping the poll in a stunning victory.

“That relationship with his voters only became stronger over his years of dedicated and energetic service and he went on to top the poll in each of the three subsequent elections he contested, attracting truly extraordinary levels of support.” 

 Mr Martin said the vote was a “testament to the truly strong bond between him and the people he represented”.

“Without question he was one of the great vote getters of the modern political era. He had no equal,” Mr Martin said.

Mr Martin said Mr Crowley showed “incredible personal resilience and strength of character” following his paralysis.

“With great natural musical ability and a fantastic outgoing personality, he was the life and soul of many Fianna Fáil Ard Fheiseanna and thrilled many on the musical scene in Shanleys in Clonakilty for many years."

Mr Martin added: “Brian was deeply committed to his community and his country. His loss will be felt deeply by his mother Sally, his family, his large circle of friends and all his former colleagues.” 

 Tánaiste Simon Harris said Mr Crowley served both Fianna Fáil and the country with “distinction” for 20 years.

“When I ran in the European elections in 2014, unsuccessfully ran, I was left in no doubt as I travelled across the vast constituency that is Ireland South of the huge, deep and enduring affection that the people of that constituency had and have for Brian," Mr Harris said.

Cork Lord Mayor, Fianna Fáil's Fergal Dennehy paid tribute to Mr Crowley, saying the former MEP had "extraordinary electoral popularity".

"He was also an inspirational figure who demonstrated incredible perseverance in the face of his own health challenges," Mr Dennehy said.

"Despite playing a major role on the European political stage, he never lost touch with his roots.

“He had and always maintained a strong connection to Cork and to the communities he represented."

Cork MEP Billy Kelleher described Mr Crowley as an “exceptional human being” and a “fierce advocate for people with disabilities”.

“Despite his many health challenges, he was always in touch with his constituents and most recently with me and other Fianna Fáil friends and colleagues offering advice and sometimes criticism that was usually warranted.

“In fact, Brian only texted me earlier this week to wish me a Happy Birthday. A text that now means quite a lot in hindsight.” Before his removal from Fianna Fáil, Mr Crowley sought to run for the presidency in 2011 but did not receive the necessary support within the party, which ultimately opted not to run a candidate.

Mr Crowley was a wheelchair user, having been paralysed from the waist down following an accident at the age of 16.

The former MEP faced significant criticism during his final term, when he was absent from the European Parliament due to illness and did not cast any votes.

However, Mr Crowley defended his absences, saying he continued to deal with constituency issues while in hospital.

Mr Crowley is survived by his mother, Sally, and his siblings.