'A force of nature': Tributes paid to former Lady Mayoress of Cork who died on Christmas Day

Ursula Shannon was lady mayoress during Terry Shannon's term as Lord Mayor in 2011 and 2012

Lady Mayoress, Ursula Shannon and Lord Mayor, Cllr. Terry Shannon, celebrating his 50th birthday in 2012. File picture: Gerard Bonus

A former Lady Mayoress of Cork who became a fierce advocate for “the lost and the searching” as she campaigned for improved adoption rights has been remembered as “a force of nature” and “the very best of us”.

Ursula Shannon’s husband, Fianna Fáil city councillor, Terry Shannon, also paid tribute to her stoicism in the face of her illness.