Fergus Finlay: There would always be a ray of hope if Pat Magner was on your side

You may not have heard of Pat. If you were from Cork, mind you, and took an interest in what was going on around you, you would have

 Pat Magner served the Labour Party in a variety of roles over five decades.

Pat Magner was a fighter. I’m guessing he was brought up that way, to stand his corner, to defend those who needed defending, to fight for the things he believed in. He grew up in a working-class family, and he never once forgot what side he was on. He liked a bit of style and he relished a good suit and tie. He was a really proud member of our Senate, but a prouder still Northsider from Cork.

He hated bullies and he loved being with people who needed a pal. Especially people who needed someone to speak up for them. The thing you knew most about Pat was that if he had your back, you had nothing to fear.