North Tipp Councillors pay tribute to former Councillor and Senator, Tony McKenna

THE people of North Tipperary are this week mourning the death of former Councillor and Senator, Tony McKenna.
Tony, of Ballyhaden, Borrisokane, went to his eternal rest on Christmas Eve at Ashlawn House Nursing Home, Nenagh. He was 86 years of age.
Tony was born and raised in Borrisokane, and devoted much of his adult life towards trying to advance the town and the wider Lower Ormond area.
On Friday morning last, a special meeting of Nenagh Municipal District was held to remember their friend and colleague. Cllr Phyll Bugler, Cathaoirleach, proposed a vote of sympathy to the McKenna family. Cllr Bugler recalled Tony's extraordinary 140-mile solo charity run in 1982, guiding a sliotar on his hurl from Borrisokane through every Tipperary town to Dublin, completed over seven days. The effort was aimed at raising awareness and funds for a day care centre for the elderly, a facility that would eventually open decades later.
He began his work in public service as a North Tipperary county councillor in the 1970s, later becoming chairman of North Tipperary County Council, and, after the council’s amalgamation with South Tipperary County Council, also serving as Mayor of Tipperary County Council from 2000 to 2001.
At national level, he represented Fianna Fáil in Seanad Éireann, first elected to the Cultural and Educational Panel in 1987. Although losing his seat two years later, he was reappointed by Taoiseach Charles Haughey, serving until 1992.
Tony McKenna was predeceased by his wife Phyllis and is survived by his daughter Deirdre, sons Malachy and Tony, and his sister Philomena.
Cllr Seamie Morris extended his deepest condolences to the McKenna family. “They have been through a rough couple of months. Tony served the people of Borrisokane and North Tipperary for many years in an excellent political career. His dedication to his community was inspirational.”
Former councillor Jim Casey said he was on the County Council with Tony for many years. “He was a very genuine, hardworking Councillor, who gave his best to the cause. In the Council we went through ups and downs, challenges and successes. At the time the Borrisokane area was a four seater. Another Fianna Fáil Councillor in the Borrisokane area back then in the 1980s and 1990s was the late Michael Hough. I joined the Council in 1985. Back then I was learning the ropes and looked to smart people on the Council such as Tony to show me the way. People such as he and Michael Hough were very good, very decent people and we represented a very special area of the county. In the Council, Tony was the leader of our group. He was articulate and well educated. I want to extend my condolences to this family. They will greatly miss him. God rest his soul.”
Cllr Michael O’Meara said he knew Tony and his wife Phyllis, pointing out that he was a very dedicated politician who enjoyed a long and illustrious career. Cllr O'Meara added that many are unaware that Tony was also an excellent teacher. “In one instance he successfully taught a person with dyslexia to not be held back by this condition. This person eventually went on to become a successful businessman. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
Cllr Pamela Quirke O’Meara said it was evident from the tributes that Tony was respected and widely liked. “May his soul rest in peace.”
Former Cllr Hughie McGrath pointed out that Tony was a teacher in Borrisokane Vocational School (now Borrisokane Community College) who also served on the region's Vocational Education Committee. “He was hugely dedicated to education and public service.”
Cllr Louise Morgan Walsh pointed out that Tony was a “good, hardworking person. He was well-liked. His legacy will live on. His devotion to community will inspire others.”
Cllr Fiona Bonfield commented that her Labour colleague Virginia O'Dowd served with Tony on the Borrisokane Community College board of management and spoke highly of him. Cllr Bonfield added that the many fond tributes on RIP.ie show how well and widely respected he was.
Former Councillor Ger Darcy commented that he knew Tony prior to politics, when he was a teacher in Borrisokane Vocational School “and I was a student. I became a Councillor in 1991. At the time I was the youngest Councillor. It was obvious to all of us that Tony was an intelligent, excellent Councillor. He was also Chair of North Tipperary VEC for a while. It was obvious to us that he had a real flair for education. He was on the Board of Management of Borrisokane Community College for many years and did everything he could to improve the college. In general, Tony was a larger than life character who had his own way of doing things. The two of us got on very well and I often valued his advice.”
Cllr John Carroll recalled first meeting Tony McKenna during the 1985 local elections, noting his articulate nature, strong advocacy for healthcare services and decades-long contribution to education. Cllr J.P. O’Meara said it was an honour to be present for the tributes, describing Tony McKenna’s life as an example all public representatives could aspire to follow.
Director of Services Liam Brett, speaking on behalf of the executive of Tipperary County Council, expressed sincere condolences to the McKenna family, acknowledged Tony’s distinguished service as both a councillor and senator, and praised his lasting contribution to education, culture and local development. “He served with distinction and was deeply committed to public service; he was well known for his tireless efforts to improve local services.”
Rosemary Joyce, Senior Executive Officer, recalled the Borrisokane Area Committee meetings in the building which used to be Borrisokane Courthouse and which was located beside the Community College. “Those meetings were sometimes lively to say the least. Every Councillor attending those meetings had a strong community spirit. It was a different time. They represented their people with pride and a tenacity to get things done. Tony also had a big love of Irish, so much so that I remember a Council meeting being held in Irish. My deepest condolences to the family. He will be greatly missed. By his life, by his example, he gives us in the Council something to emulate, to aspire to.”
The meeting then said three Hail Marys and rose to attend the Funeral Mass which was held the same morning.
The Councillors formed a Guard of Honour during the Mass in Ss Peter and Paul's Church, Borrisokane. During the Mass his son Malachy, spoke warmly of his father as a teacher, public representative and, above all, as a devoted family man.
Tony McKenna was laid to rest alongside his late wife Phyllis, close to the place where they first met.

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