Death announced of former Ceann Comhairle Dr Rory O'Hanlon 

Fianna Fáil confirmed that the former Cavan-Monaghan TD had died. His son Ardal is a comedian, best known for playing Dougal on Father Ted

Former Ceann Comhairle Rory O'Hanlon has passed away

Former Fianna Fáil TD and health minister Dr Rory O’Hanlon has died aged 92.

The party confirmed on Tuesday that its former TD for Cavan-Monaghan had passed away.

Dr O’Hanlon was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1977 and kept his seat until his retirement in 2011. 

He served as minister for the environment and minister for health under Taoiseach Charlie Haughey.

He was Leas-Cheann Comhairle of the Dáil between 1997 and 2022 and later became Ceann Comhairle between 2002 and 2007. He also served as Chair of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party.

In a statement, Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin paid tribute to his wife Teresa, their children Fiona, Rory, Ardal, Neale, Shane, and Derbhla, his sister, Sr. Fionnuala, along with the wider O’Hanlon family.

His son Ardal is a comedian, best known for playing Dougal on Father Ted.

Mr Martin described Dr O’Hanlon as a “very good friend”, noting he was “deeply saddened to learn of his death”.

He said Mr O'Hanlon was a “gifted doctor” who practised as a GP in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, a “good listener, a keen observer of people, a caring and empathetic man who sought to improve the lives of his patients and community and a man who was a natural problem-solver”.

“These were among the traits Rory brought to public life, from his early foray into politics when he first contested an election in 1973,” Mr Martin said.

“From his early days in Dáil Eireann, it was clear that the traits which characterised Rory as an accomplished doctor would also ensure that he was a highly effective public representative.

“Rory cared passionately for his community and constituents. He advocated for them. He sought to improve their lives. Rory was a natural public representative. He was in politics for all the right reasons: a real commitment to public service.

“He was a true Republican who cared deeply for his country and worked to ensure the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement."

Mr Martin added: "In this, he drew on his many personal and political relationships, north and south of the border. He had a great love for the people of Armagh, where he grew up, and of Cavan and Monaghan.

“Rory was a very valued friend. I greatly valued his insights and advice, since I was first elected to Dáil Eireann. He was a wise, astute observer of politics and public affairs. He had a wonderful sense of humour and was a great raconteur and a wonderful storyteller.

“He wore his many responsibilities lightly, always choosing to speak of those he served, rather than himself.” 

The Taoiseach said Dr O’Hanlon had left a “significant footprint on Irish public life and on the Fianna Fáil party”.

He added: “In this, our centenary year, we owe much to those like Rory who served our country and party and who exemplified everything that’s best about public service.”