Tributes paid following death of former Offaly TD Ger Connolly – ‘a terrific force of nature’

Tributes have been paid following the death of a former Minister of State and TD from for the midlands.

Ger Connolly, of Bracknagh, County Offaly, who was a former Fianna Fáil TD for Laois Offaly, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 25.

Laois Offaly Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen told Midland 103 radio that Mr Connolly could famously rise a crowd from its feet on any occasion. “He could bring a crowd with him and send them home, almost to the ballot boxes there and then. He had such an impact and such a way with words and delivery.”

Members of the public have paid their respects to the Connolly family. Kevin Corrigan said: “Offaly has lost one of its great characters with the death of Ger Connolly. A long-serving TD and county councillor for Fianna Fáil, he was a terrific force of nature in Offaly for several decades.

“He was the classic political animal, a traditional Fianna Fáil politician in the old mould, a great vote getter and passionate in serving his county and community.

“A great orator, he didn’t suffer fools gladly. He was a fighter and you had to be in the full of your health if taking him on. He had the rare ability to command a crowd, to spell bind them with the power of his words and the party faithful loved hearing him in full flow at election rallies, graveside orations and in the Dáil and Council chambers.

“A Minister of State, he was a great, loyal, determined politician, one of Offaly’s greatest. When he stood with you, he stood with you and he was respected by all in the political game. He was a loyal Charlie Haughey man during the turbulent years of the late 1980s early 1990s.

“Very proud of his beloved Bracknagh area, he was a very straight man, he called a spade a spade and he didn’t back off from bad news or unpalatable facts. He had a great interest in the GAA and I enjoyed his occasional company at the Brewery Tap coffee mornings for a few years before the Covid shutdown and advancing years ended his appearances there.

“He loved talking about the GAA and as in his political life, he was brutally honest and always entertaining in his opinions and the depth of his knowledge.

“In his late 80s, a successful business man, proud of his family, he was terrific, engaging company and leaves a lasting legacy to his county. May he rest in peace,” added Mr Corrigan.

Mr Connolly died, surrounded by his loving children Caitríona, John, Stephen and Ger Jr while in the care of the staff in Droimnin Nursing Home, Stradbally. He was predeceased by his wife Marie, daughter-in-law Róisín and baby granddaughter Catherine.

Ger will be greatly missed by his son-in-law Liam, daughters-in-law Gráinne and Jennifer, his beloved grandchildren Eimear, Hugh, Ruth, Grace, James, Emma, Will, Cara and Ed and a large circle of friends and wonderful neighbours. Mr Connolly’s Remains will be Reposing at Maher’s Chapel of Rest, Portarlington on Saturday evening, January 27, from 4pm with Rosary at 7pm.

Requiem Mass will take place in St Brochan’s Church, Bracknagh, on Sunday, January 28, at 2pm. Funeral afterwards to St Brochan’s Cemetery.

The Funeral Service will be televised at www.facebook.com/Clonbullogue-Parish.

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