Tributes to Cork flood activist

TRIBUTES were paid last night following the death of a community leader who campaigned for answers for the victims of Cork’s 2009 flood.

Eileen O’Regan, who became secretary of the Middle Parish and Cork Flood Action Committee after her home was swamped in the disaster, died on Saturday evening after a brief illness.

A leading figure in the city centre community, she was one of the driving forces behind the residents’ campaign to get answers from state authorities about what caused the flood.

“Eileen was an essential lifeline for many of the residents in the parish where she was born, and without her drive and enthusiasm the area would never have achieved the community spirit that kept the parish vibrant despite its city centre location,” said campaigner Barry Keane.

“During the flood Eileen was one of the people who thought nothing of her own safety to wake other residents by wading through the flood waters to knock on doors, and get people to safety.

“Afterwards she was more than sceptical about the state’s version of events.”

“Sadly, despite promises made again and again that work would start in January 2011, the quay walls at Grenville Place remain un-repaired, and the precise cause of the flooding has not been identified,” Mr Keane said.

A large crowd attended a rosary in O’Connor’s Funeral Home at the North Gate Bridge last night.

Ms O’Regan’s remains will be buried after Requiem Mass which will be celebrated at St Peter’s and Paul’s Church at 11am today.